In every election we are asked to approve a school bond, I vote “yes.” This is a vote to increase my property tax, though I feel like I am taxed enough. Still, I’d rather invest in children and schools than wayward adults and jails.
According to the recent Vancouver Public Schools board meeting, “children aren’t showing up to school” in increasing numbers. These children aren’t getting an education. Also, Vancouver schools must factor in a likely loss of revenue in the 2015-2016 budget. Investment in keeping kids in school through on-campus counselors is a prudent choice that serves our children and our community. A budget is a “put your money where your mouth is” document.
I applaud board members Edri Geiger and Kathy Gillespie in standing firm in requiring a budget that reflects valuing of children. The school board has the responsibility to work with its employee, Superintendent Steve Webb, regarding the budget. The proposed $271 million budget probably has some room to reallocate funds to student support. Webb’s $254,024 salary exceeds Gov. Jay Inslee’s by over $82,000. It is not unreasonable to require Webb to create a budget that funds the supports necessary to keep kids in school and to see district performance reports that inspire voter confidence.
Cecelia Towner
Vancouver
