I volunteer in many aspects of our Snoqualmie Valley schools. I am a father of two children, one in middle school and the other in elementary school. I have volunteered in classrooms, as a snow shoveler, as a PTSA President, and now chair the Valley Voters for Education. I see almost daily the work that teachers, staff and administrators put forth to educate our children. I find it both rewarding and an honor to work alongside them.

I can only imagine the work that would not be possible if 20 percent of the resources were not there. Almost every facet of my child’s day would be curtailed if our schools had to afford a budget bar set lower than ever before. Sure, I see opportunities to improve, but I know that the means to improving any component does not likely include cutting revenues by 20 percent. That is why I will vote “yes” to renew the pending maintenance and operations levy currently before voters. A voter-approved M&O levy allows district resources to remain more predictably stable. Levy money provides some part of just about all aspects of school operations. A denied M&O levy would reduce district revenues by 20 percent — more than three times the cuts made last spring in our district due to the state’s deficit. A “no” vote does not “send a message.” Instead, it would all but prevent the district from operating.

There is also a technology levy currently before voters. Some wonder why students cannot experience learning the same way that they did. Why can’t they learn from paper, dry-erase boards, less expensive means? The answer is that they can, but then they will fall behind their peers. While personal hand-held technology that some see and use every day gets checked at the door, the teacher retreats to methods that, well, likely bore most. Students who advance to the next grade with less hands-on use of modern learning tools have fewer advantages than kids in other schools. Rejecting this levy will return the district to status quo (yesterday’s) technology. We fall further behind.

Lesser-equipped schools compete for teachers who are expecting more modern means. The state provides no money for technology, yet students today need these skills to succeed in the work place. Carving technology monies out of general revenues means sacrificing something else you likely already expect. I will also vote “yes” to approve the technology levy.

Respecting each one’s circumstances, please consider renewing both levies — voting “yes” on the M&O and technology levies. Without these monies, only the children’s learning experience is harmed.

If you’re not able to volunteer your time, please visit the school district’s website, www.svsd410.org, respond when surveyed, or visit with your school’s administrators to stay informed or weigh concerns.

Cliff Bown

Chairman, Valley Voters for Education