Editorial
No time for apathy on Seattle school levy

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Voters who care about Seattle and its children should approve renewal of two critical upcoming Seattle school levies.

The $338 million operating levy and the $178 million capital levy on the Feb. 3 ballot represent no new property taxes; they are renewals of existing levies. They would provide funding for important educational services and facilities upgrades.

Voters should remember the district relies on levy money for nearly one-quarter of its operating budget. State and federal funding simply doesn't cover the cost of educating students.

Failure of the operating levy would lead to severe cuts in staff and services that would jeopardize the quality of education for the district's 47,000 children. It would mean fewer teachers, librarians, counselors and instructional assistants. The district would face bigger class sizes and cuts to bilingual and special-education services, full-day kindergartens and programs for at-risk students.

These would be painful, backward steps in a district that's trying hard to move ahead.

The capital levy is equally important. The biggest chunk — $95.5 million — would fund building improvements throughout the district. That includes new roofs at 31 schools. Other projects include improving plumbing and heating systems, upgrading flooring and ceilings, fixing playgrounds and making schools safer.

This is not sexy stuff. But the average age of Seattle's school buildings is 40 years. Upgrades are mandatory to keep buildings in safe and decent condition. At the very least, our children deserve a roof over their heads that doesn't leak.

The remainder of the capital levy will pay for technology and academic projects, which include upgrading computer systems and improving athletic fields, libraries and science facilities.

This is no time for voter apathy. The state constitution requires 60-percent support for passage of school levies. Every "yes" vote matters. Absentee voters who have already received their ballots should mail them before they disappear into the recycling pile.

Everyone else who believes in Seattle's future — and its duty to children — should head to the polls Feb. 3. And grab an acquaintance or two on the way.

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company