Do the Enumclaw and Black Diamond communities served by the Enumclaw School District value educating our children for the future? We certainly think so. The upcoming election, Tuesday, Feb. 9, has a significant ballot measure to ensure that your children, your grandchildren and children in your community continue to have a good education.

This measure is specifically Proposition 1, Enumclaw School District No. 216, Replacement Maintenance and Operation Levy. This is a four-year replacement levy – not a new tax – to replace the soon-to-be expiring levy, which provides the finances for the Enumclaw School District’s maintenance and operation expenses. This levy provides a sizable portion of the school district’s budget: 19 percent.

For those of you who do not have children and/or grandchildren in the Enumclaw public schools, please imagine your property value without the continuation of this maintenance and operation levy. The quality of schools, in any community, effect the infrastructure and general property values within a district. We read about communities that do not get adequate funding for education. They are plagued with such drastic moves such as needing to cut the number of school days in an academic year, swelling class sizes due to fewer teachers and offering fewer programs to allow children to grow and develop. Do you want this to happen?

You can preserve our schools and contribute to their success, and have your “yes” vote count for Proposition 1, Enumclaw School District No. 216, Replacement Maintenance and Operation Levy.

Jody and Bob Horn

Enumclaw