I believe that public education is the cornerstone of our democracy.
I support public school education in order to prepare our children to take
an active educated role as citizens in our country. I include in education the
extracurricular programs that provide opportunity for learning and
experiences outside of the classroom.
In offering my candidacy for the School Board I pledged to work
for the children, to see that the instruction and programs were the best the
district could offer while maintaining a fiscally responsible and
conservative budget. I have done that to the best
of my ability. At times my position has differed from other board
members. This reflects my honest opinion as how best to achieve our common goal:
good schools for all the kids.
I think that honest differences of opinion expressed openly are
the strengths of democracy. Open public debates, which allow all parties to
express their opinions, form the basis on which elected officials must make
decisions. What voters say at the ballot box is part of the debate.
In the two years that I have been on the board, several levies have
been proposed to the board. The proponents of the levies have spoken
eloquently to the need for the programs and facilities to be provided by these
levies. I believe there are real needs. You, the voters, have not been convinced
sufficiently to approve them. Comments from community members fall
largely to two issues: the levy was for too much (a tax issue) or this is a rural
district that doesn’t need the facilities proposed (a sense of community).
The board has heard the message. The levies on the Feb. 29 ballot
reflect many hours of discussion and debate. The levies provide only basic
program needs for the students. I support these levies. Call me at (425) 333-4928
if you would like to discuss them in more detail.
The M&O Levy renews a levy that expires at the end of this year.
While state law allows asking for approval of a 4-year levy, the board is
continuing the traditional 2-year levy. I support this as it allows the voters to
review the district performance frequently.
The M&O Levy is needed to support basic programs and it is
needed to continue to offer the benefits of extracurricular programs. But the
largest portion of this levy is needed just to keep the schools open and
staffed. About 20 percent of the budget is funded through the M&O.
Without these funds children will not receive quality instruction. There would be
no extracurricular activities.
The Communication and Technology Levy is to update facilities.
The communications systems in the buildings are old or non-existent.
Providing phones to the classrooms improves communication between the
community and the staff, and amongst the staff, to more effectively use time
in the classroom for instruction. The levy will provide needed training and
support so that the computer labs will effectively be used in the
instructional programs. The levy provides for a quality lab in each school. A lab
that will be shared as a learning resource much like the libraries and
music rooms. The levy is also for 2 years, allowing opportunity to evaluate
future needs while reducing the amount by $3 million from the previously
rejected levy.
The Performing Arts Levy provides for completing the theater at
the high school. For six years the students have held candy sales, car washes,
etc., to provide needed lights, sound and curtains. While they have made
some progress and many wonderful classes and programs have been
accomplished, the performing arts are too important to leave to candy sales.
This levy, with additional contributions from the community, will double
the usable space on the stage and provide better sound and lighting. It will
allow larger orchestras, dance, and choir performances as well as the
opportunity for cinematography classes and movies. The full potential of the
students is best attained when the arts are fully integrated in the curriculum. It’s
time to end the candy sales. Please show your support by voting yes.
Steve Hallstrom
Carnation
