Initiative 1033 puts students at risk

GUEST EDITORIAL

OLYMPIA — Frustrated by the current economy? So are school principals across the state. But Initiative 1033 is no way to alleviate that frustration. That’s why we and many of our colleagues are asking you to vote no on I-1033.

As principals, we know about the crushing impact of the recession. Every school day, Washington principals serve more than one million students—many whose parents have recently lost their jobs, savings and homes—and we do so with far fewer resources than we’ve had in years past.

We also know about the concerns of our neighbors and local business owners because, beyond the school setting, we are members of our communities. We understand why, on the surface, I-1033’s lure of tax cuts is strong, particularly for those families suffering most from the recession. However, before casting your vote for an oversimplified promise of “lower taxes,” we urge you to consider the broader impact of this reckless ballot measure.

Washington’s public schools are already struggling to mitigate the effects of state budget cuts. Classrooms are more crowded and supplies are diminished. Teachers, nurses, librarians and counselors have been cut. Bus service has been reduced. Arts, music, athletics and afterschool programs have been decreased or altogether eliminated.

The expectations of K-12 schools are increasing faster than ever because the consequences of students leaving school unprepared are more dire than ever. Yet resources are dwindling. In many districts, principals are leading their schools through one of the most challenging years in history. This is indeed a painful time—a time that puts our students, and our future, at risk.

Which is why we ask, Why on earth would we want to lock our students into such devastating circumstances? I-1033 would do just that. It would cap state revenue, drive down school funding and make a bad situation much worse.

What would that situation look like?

With reduced funding from the state, schools will rely even more heavily on local levy dollars for basic education, which according to Washington’s constitution, is the state’s paramount duty. Programs and services currently covered by levies will become reliant upon fund-raising—and we’re not just talking about an annual magazine drive. In Colorado, where a similar initiative passed (and later was suspended by voters), parents found themselves fund-raising to buy textbooks for their children.

Are we prepared to peddle and purchase cookies, candy bars and wrapping paper for the most basic classroom needs? Are we ready for a system dependent on fund-raising—an unbalanced, inequitable system where schools in wealthier districts, with PTAs and student groups capable of raising thousands of dollars, thrive while the rest languish?

If you do not have children, don’t count yourself out of this equation. There is an inextricable link between good schools and a healthy economy. Strong schools draw new businesses and families to a community, and prepare our young people to be valuable contributors to the workplace. Let’s not go the route of Colorado, which saw its high school graduation rate plummet. A rapid decline in the quality of our schools will make Washington state one of the least desirable places to live, affecting our ability to hire qualified employees and retain talented young people.

Are principals committed to serving our students every day? Absolutely. But make no mistake—the progress we’ve made toward raising student achievement will be stunted by I-1033. It is not just our students who will suffer. Every citizen will pay the price of this disastrous ballot measure.

In schools, we challenge our students to be critical thinkers and responsible citizens. Today, we are asking you to do the same. Please, as you complete your ballots, do not be deceived by the shortsighted draw of “lower taxes.” Think about the consequences, and vote no on I-1033.

Jill Massa is the president of Elementary School Principals Association of Washington. John Westerman is the president, Association of Washington Middle Level Principals.  Jennifer Shaw is the president, Washington Association of Secondary School Principals.