Support schools in Coupeville

Urging voters in the Coupeville School District to vote yes for a school levy is like asking a thirsty camel to drink some water — of course they’re going to do it.

As far as anyone can recall, Coupeville has never turned down a maintenance and operation levy. When it comes to supporting their schools, Coupeville residents are second to none in the state.

Voters have already received their ballots in the mail in this all-mail election. Proposed is a four-year levy, with property taxes starting at an estimated $1.36 per thousand in 2007 and increasing to $1.42 in 2010. That would produce $1.9 million in 2007 and $2.3 million in 2010. Taxes in 2005 were $1.30 per thousand.

Maintenance and operation levy proceeds pay for approximately 24 percent of the district’s expenses, which is the most allowable by law. The bulk of school financing comes from the state school tax. But it’s a crucial 24 percent, without which Coupeville as they are known and loved would cease to exist.

The levy helps pay for several teaching positions, school nurses, counselors, librarians, coaches, sports and other extra-curricular activities, transportation, and routine maintenance. In Coupeville, there’s nothing controversial about any of that.

Friends of Coupeville Schools has formed to support and inform voters about the levy, and there has been no public criticism at all. There may be no easier political job than selling a school proposal in Coupeville.

Still, voters must remember to cast their ballots to assure the levy is successful. The deadline to postmark a ballot is Tuesday, Feb. 7, or drop it by the Island County Auditor’s office in Coupeville. Vote for schools and keep the school district’s admirable string of successes alive.

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