The Snoqualmie Valley is in danger of losing a unique and valuable educational opportunity for our children. The Primary Optional Program is a district program housed at Snoqualmie Elementary School. The program’s vision is to provide an “innovative alternative model for learning.”

The program achieves this vision by an intense level of parental involvement. Each family commits to a certain number of volunteer hours each school year. With the influx of new Valley residents, our schools are filling up. As a result, our program is in danger of being eliminated.

The school board will decide at its next meeting on Oct. 25 as to whether or not this program will continue in the district. I am urging all interested individuals and families to attend this meeting and to contact the school board to help us preserve this program.

The school board can be reached at the district office at (425) 831-8000, or you can write a letter or e-mail Dr. Richard McCullough, the superintendent, at mcculloughr@snoqualmie.k12.wa.us. As a current Primary Optional Program member, I do not want to lose this valuable gem in the Valley.

Debra Shevery

North Bend