Seattle voters have consistently made support for children and public schools a top priority. On February 6th, voters will be asked to renew that commitment voting yes for two crucial Seattle school levies.

 The February 6th ballot covers two levy renewals that are needed to provide students with safe schools and enriching education programs. These levies cover both school construction and school operations. Because both renew expiring levies, they do not raise our tax rates.

 The capital levy renews the expiring 1995 Building Excellence levy that has successfully renovated or rebuilt 19 schools, including Ballard High School, the John Stanford International School and Whittier Elementary. The opening of the new Greenwood Elementary next year will add to that success.

 The capital levy renewal will provide Roosevelt High School with the renovations it needs to ensure a safe and positive learning environment. Roosevelt is scheduled to receive $70 million in repairs, including major improvements to classrooms, science labs, and earthquake safety. Pending a potential landmark nomination, the main building will be renovated and the 1928 addition, gym, lunchroom and shop will be replaced.

 In addition to Roosevelt, other schools scheduled to receive renovations and improvements include Garfield, Ingraham, Nathan Hale, and numerous middle and elementary schools across the city.

 The School District will work to retain as much of the historical integrity of each building as possible. It plans to make specific design decisions after consultations with staff, students, parents and members of the community.

 The second ballot measure is the Educational Programs and Operations Levy. The operations levy is a three-year proposal that will provide the Seattle School District with more than 21% of its total day-to-day budget. Programs receiving funding from this levy include all-day kindergarten, library programs, athletics, orchestra, band, choir, transportation, security, and food services. Additional teachers and instructional aides are also paid for using these levy dollars.

 If the operations levy failed, the District would have to cut 21% of its budget. Educational programs would take most of the cuts, since central administration costs represent only 6% of the budget. Cutting critical learning programs would obviously hurt Seattlešs students.

 The League of Women Voters, the Urban League, the Church Council of Greater Seattle and the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce have all endorsed both these levies because they understand the importance of strong Seattle schools.

 We agree. Please join us in voting YES on both levies February 6. If you have questions about the election, call Schools First at (206) 283-5549 or visit their website at www.schools-first.com.

 46th District State Represenatives Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney and Jim McIntire

 Kenney: (360) 786-7818

 McIntire: (360) 786-7886