When you open your ballot and voter’s pamphlet, you will see a statement in opposition of both Tahoma school levies. This same statement was submitted against school measures in King and Pierce counties, by the same three people (none of whom live in or near Maple Valley – the closest Tom Henningsgards and Laurie Lyford – live in Bellevue. I could not find record of a Renay Bennett anywhere nearby).

These folks are affiliated with the Freedom Foundation out of Olympia. They don’t have any idea what is going on in Tahoma schools, so don’t be fooled by their erroneous arguments. They are not your neighbors.

I know the union officials in the Tahoma School District, and the claim by these out-of-towners that union pressure guides Tahoma’s budget decisions is ridiculous. If you want to know about the budget process, go to the district office and examine the budget (it is all public information) or give Tahoma’s school board members a call. They would be happy to explain the way things actually work here.

What are these levies, truly? Replacements for levies that Tahoma voters have been supporting for many years. Not new taxes, but rather the continuation of what we have already been paying. Just like other districts throughout Washington, Tahoma has to supplement its budget with levy funds because the legislature does not yet fully fund education.

Also mentioned in this boilerplate con statement is that Tahoma doesn’t put student services first. Every dollar of levy monies – for both the operations and technology levies – is spent on student services, from teacher and paraprofessional pay to transportation to athletics, activities, computers and networks.

Please show the Freedom Foundation that this was a silly stunt – and, more importantly, help keep our schools moving forward – by voting yes on both levies before Feb. 11.

Also please note that there will be no collection van from King County Elections at Central Services this time, so mail your ballots without delay.

Please visit www.voteyestahoma.com for more information about the levies. And please, share this important information with your neighbors, friends and fellow Tahoma parents.

Wendy Castleman

Voice of Tahoma Education Committee