My wife April and I moved to Sumner in 1994. Since that time, the fine residents of Sumner and Bonney Lake have always voted “yes” for the school and maintenance levy for the Sumner School District. What we have been rewarded with is a top-notch education for our children plus an array of award-winning programs such as band and FFA to name just a few.

Good schools have also made for a great community. We know that families move to Sumner and Bonney Lake just to be in the Sumner School District and that is reflected in property values higher than most of our neighboring communities. The vast number of programs throughout the district keep our young people involved and engaged in many excellent activities. These are all great things for our community if you have a child in school or not.

This levy is up for renewal again and I ask that you please vote “yes” once again.

I know that we live in uncertain economic times now but this levy is replacing the current levy and is not adding a new tax.

This levy makes up nearly 20 percent of the district’s annual budget. With severe cutbacks from the state this past year regarding education dollars, your “yes” vote is more important than ever for our kids and community.

The levy covers teachers and paraeducator salaries, textbooks and basic teaching materials, student transportation, school safety personnel and many other essentials.

We at Citizens for Education appreciate all the support of our local residents over the past many years in helping keep our students in safe schools with educators and programs that offer a top-notch experience for our kids. We need your help again.

Please join Citizens for Education in voting “yes.”

Mark Evers, co-chair

Citizens for Education