school measures

Contrary to the suggestion of last week's article ("School levy-bond vote debated"), there is little debate surrounding school Propositions 1 and 2. These critical measures enjoy widespread support, as did the expiring levies they replace.

Propositions 1 and 2 are not new taxes, and they are fundamental to the success of every child in every classroom in every school. They are vigorously supported by teachers, principals, parents, students, business people, elected officials, and friends of education in all parts of the city. Hundreds of individuals and dozens of organizations have endorsed the campaign for passage, including the Seattle Council Parent Teacher Student Association, League of Women Voters, Municipal League, Urban League, Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Alliance for Education, Seattle Education Association, El Centro de la Raza, King County Labor Council, and individual PTAs throughout Seattle. See the growing list on the Schools First website at www.schools-first.com.

Proposition 1 addresses basic health and safety issues, ensuring our kids have clean air and safe drinking water, and will renovate or replace several deteriorated schools built 35 to 80 years ago. Now is the time to get these projects done. They will only get more expensive the longer we wait.

Proposition 2 provides 24 percent of the general fund, paying for such classroom basics as teachers and teaching materials.

46,000 students are counting on us. Please vote "Yes" on Feb. 6.

Marjorie Skotheim

Communications Director

Schools First