Seattle Schools Update from Steve Sundquist

Dear Friends:

On February 9, 2010, voters will be asked to renew two expiring levies which provide essential funding for Seattle's schools. Given the state budget crisis, these levies are more important than ever in maintaining basic services in our schools.

Neither of these levies is a new tax. They replace expiring levies. The Capital levy will provide $270 million over six years to fund hundreds of projects in neighborhood schools district-wide, like replacing worn out roofs and heating systems, retrofitting and upgrading buildings for earthquake safety, and replacing alarms and sprinkler systems so our kids can learn in a safe environment. The capital levy will also fund needed technology upgrades and improvements to athletic facilities.

The Operations levy provides 23% of the day-to-day operating budget for Seattle Public Schools. This levy funds everything from teacher and principal salaries and textbooks to all-day kindergarten, a 6-period high school day, and school libraries. If renewed, the operations levy will supply $442.7 million to public education in Seattle over three years.

If we don't renew these levies, Seattle's public schools will suffer a reduction in revenues that would devastate our ability to provide our children with a quality education. We can't let the levies fail.

Please join me in supporting the Seattle levy campaign with your time and, if possible, please consider a contribution to the campaign. It's critical that we reach voters and remind them why it's so important to vote YES on these two important measures.

Schools First Campaign Headquarters
524 Dexter Avenue, N.
Seattle, WA 98109
(p) 206.224.3563
(f) 206.224.3566
info@SchoolsFirstSeattle.org

For More Info: http://www.schoolsfirstseattle.org/
To Endorse: http://www.schoolsfirstseattle.org/endorse/
To Contribute: https://www.schoolsfirstseattle.org/contribute/
To Volunteer: http://www.schoolsfirstseattle.org/how-you-can-help/

Ballots have now arrived at our homes. It's critical that we reach voters and remind them why it's so important to vote YES on these two important measures. Please be sure to vote by February 9th and remind your friends and neighbors to please vote YES to renew our commitment to Seattle schoolchildren.

Sincerely,

Steve Sundquist