Support our schools, vote yes on levy

Published 3:02 pm Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Auburn, Algona and Pacific community members, please remember to vote yes for schools by Feb. 9.

Soon your mail-in ballot will arrive for consideration of a four-year Educational Programs and Operations Renewal Levy.

This is not a new tax. It replaces an expiring four year levy.

The local levy funds student-centered programs that include smaller class size, athletics and activities, the arts and music, technology like robotics, accelerated learning, specialized instruction, and extended day learning. It also funds maintenance and operations that protect the public investment in district facilities.

15,000 ASD students are relying on the continued tradition of public support for local levies. Three years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that the state Legislature is not funding schools at a constitutional level, and it continues not to do so, despite multiple court sanctions imposed on the Legislature.

Consequently, local levies are even more essential to fund schools. Most of us have benefited from a public school education. It is time to pay it forward to the next generation.

For 36 years, I served the students of the ASD as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent. The ASD has a strong tradition of quality leadership from school board members, teachers, principals and administrators, resulting in a multitude of awards for academic achievement and fiscal excellence.

Please join me in voting yes for continued local support for our students and schools.

– Kip Herren