Dear friends and neighbors,

I write to urge you to vote “yes” in support of renewing the Vashon Island School District Cap/Tech levy. Our community values knowledge, truth, diversity and critical thinking. These are the foundations of a healthy society and a healthy democracy. Public education is the institution that promotes access to and expression of these ideals in our young people. I grew up in a community where levies didn’t always pass and I know first-hand it can impact the learning environment.

Our two children graduated from Vashon High School a few years ago. VISD serves its role to prepare our students to be both successful and service-oriented, a combination that helps them thrive in their future lives, but it can only fulfill that mission with our support.

This levy is a four-year renewal of the expiring Cap/Tech levy at a modestly-increased rate. The school district hasn’t asked for an increase in this particular levy rate in 10 years. The district has been a good steward of our tax dollars, however, the cost of managing the technical infrastructure and facility maintenance has increased substantially over ten years’ time.

Students and our district’s educators need to have access to current technology and be able to learn and work in buildings that are maintained and cared for. The Cap/Tech levy on our ballot this winter will sustain all of those things for the next four years.

Vashon’s public schools are a reflection of our community and a source of pride. Please join my family in voting “yes” and returning your ballot by Feb. 11.

— Donna Nespor