It’s school election season again on Vashon. You may have noticed the reappearance of the colorful lawn signs all over the island. They are in the yards of people who support the schools’ renewal of the Maintenance and Operations Levy, which will be on the Feb. 11 ballot.

After four years, it’s time for voters to renew their commitment to our school district’s operation and maintenance. Since the state of Washington does not fully fund our Vashon Island schools, 23 percent of the operating budget comes from our local levy. This pays for the basics: teachers’ salaries, textbooks, bus service, custodians, special education and maintenance.

The levy helps generate the necessary funding to attract and retain quality teachers, keep class sizes as low as possible and fund important electives such as band, art, drama and debate. This balanced approach is needed to continue to offer Vashon youth the education they deserve.

Each generation of our children depends on this support of our schools to build their futures. This levy is vital! The loss of 23 percent of the district’s revenue would be devastating. A vote for the levy is a vote for our island kids. Join us in voting yes!

— Cherry Champagne, J. Scott Bonney and John “Oz” Osborne