GUEST EDITORIAL: Reasons to support school levy, bond

MOSES LAKE - "Before you invest, investigate." These are the words of William Arthur Ward, scholar, author, and teacher.

On Feb. 14, voters in the Moses Lake School District will decide whether we invest in education. Your decisions on the levy and the bond deserve some investigation.

You can find information on both issues at www.moseslakeschools.org.

Many school programs and services that most people consider fundamental to quality education are not funded by the state government. Local levy funding provides those programs and services. The Moses Lake School District is requesting approval of a levy to replace the current levy and continue to provide those important programs and services.

The growth in our community has produced a steady increase in the enrollment of students. The district has developed a plan for growth that incorporates two new elementary schools and an additional high school. This plan will improve the educational experience for students by:

* Providing full day kindergarten district-wide

* Returning sixth-graders to an elementary environment and reducing middle school crowding

* Relief from the crowding at the high school

* Increasing the number of opportunities for high school students to participate in sports and other co-curricular activities.

Additionally, the state provides matching funds for school construction based on a formula that considers physical space available per student. The planned construction is projected to return over $10 million of our taxes from Olympia as construction matching funds. The Moses Lake School District is requesting approval of a bond to fund the construction of these facilities.

Ensuring that the next generation has the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the economy and society is a good investment.

Investigate the facts and then join me in voting yes for the levy.