I am asking all readers to vote yes on the upcoming Battle Ground Public Schools levy. This levy is for one purpose and one purpose only: to continue to support the students of Battle Ground.
Currently, as in the past, the state of Washington only provides a portion of the necessary funding for public schools. By design, local schools are supported with local dollars. The state provides a portion of school funding and local taxes provide the rest. Without local money, schools would not be able to maintain the services that are currently provided. Services like building maintenance, counselors, psychologists, assistant principals, and classified support staff are funded either partially or totally by levy dollars.
Battle Ground Public Schools is not asking for more. Battle Ground Public Schools is asking to simply maintain what they are currently able to do. It’s not an additional ask, the fact is that this levy is slated to collect less than the one that is expiring. A yes vote keeps counselors, psychologists, and assistant principals working with students. A yes vote allows maintenance crews to continue preserving public assets and keep our students safe, dry and warm.
It is not asking for more. It is asking to maintain what our students currently have. Join me in voting yes.
“Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
Vote yes today for a better tomorrow.
Kevin Palena, Battle Ground
