It is almost time for our favorite issue of The Beachcomber, the one where all the graduating seniors are highlighted for their high school achievements as well as future plans. Every year we are amazed at where our island students are headed to college and their plans for the future. Twenty-four years ago, we moved to Vashon without really knowing what a gift we were giving our own children with such an outstanding school district.

This outstanding district does not happen in a vacuum. It happens with dedicated teachers and administrators, committed volunteers and a supportive community willing to fund what the state does not. Our Vashon community has supported the school district’s Technology and Facilities Capital Projects Levy since 2002.

Every four years, we are asked to again renew this levy and commitment to our kids. This levy will fund preventative maintenance so our students can learn in a safe and healthy environment. It will also pay for technology programs that are essential to learning and preparing our students for future work and higher education. Both of these items are not funded by the state. If we don’t fund these through this levy, our kids go without them.

We have raised our kids in this community and continue to be grateful we moved here so long ago. Although we don’t have children in the schools anymore, we are committed to all our Vashon children and urge you to do the same. Please support the Technology and Facilities Capital Projects Levy and return your ballot with a ‘yes’ vote by April 26.

— Mark and Laura Hansen