My wife Kim and I are proud to say that our son, Matt, and our daughter, Linda, are products of the Moses Lake school system right here in the Columbia Basin. We have many excellent schools here in central Washington; Moses Lake School District is a fine example. We are concerned, however, that your daughter or son and other district students are at risk of not being provided the same educational opportunities that our son and daughter benefited from if the current proposed replacement levy and replacement bond does not pass.

It is imperative that on Tuesday, Feb. 14, our community pass the school district's proposed Maintenance and Operational Levy and the capital bond in order to build on the strong foundation of education our schools are currently providing.

Levy funding for music programs, like marching band, pep band, instruments and technology programs, are at risk and among other things, this levy will continue to completely fund our computer labs and the further development of programs that will teach students - who may or may not attend post-high-school education - computer skills necessary for attaining jobs within our community; pay for quality textbooks and extra-curricular activities and assist in the implementation of much-needed programs.  

The bond will build a desperately-needed high school and relieve crowding at the middle schools through two more elementary schools.

 I asked our superintendent Michelle Price to take a moment to clarify some of the facts and share with me any concerns that have been heard around town about the two measures.

1. Is this a new tax?

No. Both the bond and the M&O levy are replacement measures. In fact, the requested collection amounts are just 95 cents and 92 cents higher respectively than the current collection rates. Voting yes will slightly change your tax.

So, the combined increase for the levy and bond is estimated to be $1.87 per $1,000 more than current collect rates. Then your yes vote will trigger a matching fund for the bond in lieu of taxes from the state government totaling $10 million dollars.

The district does not anticipate getting any state levy equalization this time due to the increase in assessed valuation, which is why the levy has the increase - to make up for it.

2. Will replacement levy funds be used for school payroll?

Yes, the district has about 150 employees that depend on the levy to keep their jobs. More lost jobs would impact local business.

3. Will the increases in property assessments result in a higher tax bill for the replacement levy and bond?

Every four years property is reassessed by the Grant County Assessor's Office.  When property is reassessed the overall tax bill may change. However, since the replacement levy is a fixed amount of money, and not a "fixed collection rate," the school district collects that same amount.

4. What would happen if the state ended the levy equalization funding?

It would be very bad for us. We have already lost most of our levy equalization.

The district has already been impacted by Olympia's issues. Due to this state's financial challenges, our legislature will pass an insufficient educational budget. Our schools will be functioning on a marginal level of funding, thus creating more need than ever to seek local levies.

 I know it is challenging in these economic times and maybe be difficult for someone who is not directly involved with the schools to appreciate just how strapped our public schools are for funds. For example, my wife and I have observed that nearly all of our two children's school teachers have purchased supplies with their own money because of their desire to supply the children with the necessary items for optimal learning. In a community like ours, this should not be happening!

The citizens of Moses Lake have shown tremendous character with their support of numerous local charities and programs that enhance the quality of living for our area. The proposed levy that replaces the current maintenance levy and the bond is well thought out and addresses our educational needs. There is little time to stall as it will take five years to complete this new high school after you approve the investment and in our newspaper's opinion, well worth funding. Just remember that back in the day, someone voted yes and paid this bill so you could benefit. Now it is your turn to do the right thing, folks.

Please join my wife and me in voting for the best interest of our community and children, by voting "yes" on both Feb. 14.

 - Harlan J. Beagley, publisher