To the editor and Islanders:

On Feb. 11, Bainbridge Island families will have the opportunity to show their support for our local schools. Before you vote, please consider the facts.

Our schools are among the very best in the state, in test scores, graduation rates, and post-graduation success. Our schools work – even though 65 percent of all public schools in Washington receive more per-pupil funding than BI schools.

I had the pleasure of serving for 12 years on the Bainbridge Island school board, and I can assure you that our local levies are absolutely critical to supplement inadequate state funding.

The Feb. 11 operations levy represents 24 percent of the schools’ operating budget, including 11 percent of all teacher, counselor and specialist pay, and 48 percent of all classroom assistant, secretarial and bus driver pay. The technology levy represents 100 percent of the funds for technology — yes, the state actually provides NO funding for technology in schools.

The math is simple. Without these levies, our schools will lose one-quarter of their operating funds, and all of their technology funds. As a community which cares about children and families, we cannot let that happen.

But here’s the great news – these levies are not new taxes. They are merely replacing prior levies that are expiring. So the total net tax increase to the median-priced home on Bainbridge will be just $7 per month. This is a small price to pay for our maintaining educational excellence for our kids.

Please VOTE YES FOR SCHOOL LEVIES. Thank you.

BRUCE WEILAND

Bainbridge Island