I am both surprised and saddened by the Ballard News Tribune's negative coverage of the upcoming Seattle schools bond-levy. Seeking out a tiny minority of naysayers, reporter Rebekah Schilperoort tried to find controversy where there is little, by mixing in commentary about the unrelated school closure issue.

Implying that voters might want to deny the capital bond proposal because "Ballard schools won't get much of the pot" is embarrassing. The complete reconstruction of Ballard High School has rejuvenated the entire Ballard community. Children from Whittier Heights and all of north Seattle thrive in the new Whittier Elementary School and its magnet program. Voters throughout the entire city supported the capital measures that made these wonderful facilities possible for us.

It is time once again for the fine citizens of the Ballard community to uphold a long tradition of overwhelming support for public education. Do what is both right and important for all the students of our city: Vote "yes" on both Seattle Schools Propositions 1 and 2.

Ann K. Farr

Ballard High parent