Seattle children are our future

The League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County endorses both Seattle school levies that will be on the Feb. 12 ballot [“ ‘Yes’ on Seattle school levies,” Opinion, Jan. 28]. We support Proposition 1, the three-year levy for day-to-day operations and programs not fully funded by the state, and Proposition 2, the capital levy.

Both are replacement levies designed to address operations and programs, such as teachers, textbooks, full-day kindergarten, special education and bilingual education services, bus transportation and security, and student activities such as athletics and music.

The capital levy will provide funds for safety and security (seismic upgrades), building maintenance, remodeling and construction.

We are convinced that current levies need to be replaced and expanded to meet higher enrollments, increasingly diverse student bodies, as well as accumulated and new building needs. Our children are our future. We need to provide the tools and learning environment to optimize their employment potential and their role as citizens.

We believe there should be adequate state funding instead of reliance on local levies but children cannot wait until that is a reality. We also urge a high level of transparency and public involvement as decisions are made but the district needs the funds to go forward. Vote Yes.

--Judy Bevington, president, League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County, Seattle