LETTER:Backs Sequim levies

Please vote yes and yes for the Sequim School District’s levies for educational programs and for capital projects.

The educational programs and operations (EP&O) levy, which cannot be used for facilities, will continue to support critical student programs not funded by the state, including counselors, nurses, music, drama, athletics and staffing to keep class sizes low.

The capital projects levy, which can only be used for facilities, will allow the district to make technology, safety and security improvements throughout district buildings, modernize science classrooms at the high school, replace the roofs at Greywolf Elementary and the middle and high schools and more.

The EP&O levy is not a new tax.

It simply renews the existing levy, which expires at the end of this year, for another four years.

Similarly, the 4-year capital levy, slated to begin in 2022, replaces the previous capital projects levy, which expired in 2020.

The assessment rates for both levies will remain about the same, approximately $1.25 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for the EP&O levy, and approximately $0.63 per $1,000 for the capital levy.

The school district is being prudent, practical and responsible with both of these levies.

They deserve our support.

Ballots are due February 9.

Vote yes and yes.

Paula Barnes

Sequim