It is time to renew our commitment to great community schools by supporting the Ridgefield School District levy on Feb. 12.
The proposed levy is not a new tax but replaces an existing levy that expires at the end of 2013. Public education funding in Washington state relies heavily on local taxes. In Ridgefield, the local levy funds roughly 24 percent of total education costs. Approving the proposed levy simply continues this local funding.
Local levy funds pay for programs critical to overall student success. Examples include the expanded Science, Technology, Engineering and Math program, classroom computers, athletics, drama, Cispus science camp, para-educators, teacher training, and basic needs such as maintenance, transportation, utilities and textbooks. Funding these programs is an investment in our children’s future.
The Ridgefield School District provides a high-quality education at a relatively low cost. Ridgefield students’ standardized tests scores regularly exceed state averages and rank high compared to other Clark County schools while Ridgefield’s levy rate is expected to be the lowest in Clark County. Ridgefield School District delivers great results at a reasonable cost.
