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Sunday, October 31, 2010

Stranger Election Control Board SECB Endorsements: Vote Yes on Seattle School Levy, Proposition 1

Posted by Stranger Election Control Board on Sun, Oct 31, 2010 at 6:25 AM

Another damn school levy? Seriously? Even though we've passed a slew of levies for Seattle Public Schools in the last few years (two this year alone), we need another one. Revenues from the state and school district have fallen short, meaning that Seattle schools are facing an estimated $28 million in cuts for 2011—2012. This three-year property-tax levy would give Seattle Public Schools $48.2 million to help keep vital school programs running, buy new textbooks and materials for students, and pay for an improved teacher contract that provides incentives for better performance. A property worth $200,000 would pay around $22 next year. Critics argue that since the funds aren't dedicated, they won't go into classrooms or to support students. We don't buy that argument. Over 80 percent of the district's operating budget is spent on wages and salaries for teachers and staff. More cuts would mean less staff, worse schools, and a life of perpetual guilt. Vote yes.

Check out all of our endorsements and jump into the discussion over here.

(For you folks who don't like to read, go here for the SECB CHEAT SHEET!!!!)