Editor’s note: Mary Jane Glaser is a member of the Tahoma School Board, but she participated in writing this letter as a member of the Maple Valley Creative Arts Council Board of Directors.

The Maple Valley Creative Arts Council is supporting the Tahoma construction bond and urging all voters to vote “Yes” April 26.

The Maple Valley Creative Arts Council was organized in 1998 to advocate for the arts in our community and schools because we believe the arts enhance the lives of everyone.

The arts council has enjoyed a very supportive relationship with the Tahoma School District the past 13 years.

Our students enjoy a rich education in visual, musical and dramatic arts. While surrounding districts are eliminating or severely cutting arts programs the Tahoma School District is continuing to offer quality arts programs in all its schools.

There is a serious concern, though, that as more students enroll in the Tahoma School District, space for elective classes may be displaced by core classes.

Art, music and drama classes may not find enough classroom space. That would be a real shame.

A student’s education should be well-rounded with opportunities to learn and develop talents in all aspects of core and elective offerings.

The construction bond will provide enough student seats in the entire Tahoma School District until the year 2020 or beyond.

The school district has no control over the amount of new homes built in our community.  The school district must enroll all students who move into our district.

The district cannot tell a student that the schools are full and turn them away. Enough classroom space must be found for the required classes.

Alternative classes such as AP (advanced placement), arts and career tech may need to be eliminated.

The Tahoma School District is a shining example of excellence in our region.

Many citizens have selected Maple Valley as their homes because of the school district.

For Tahoma to continue building on its foundation of excellence and increasing its opportunities for all students, in all interests, we must come together as a community and support our most valuable asset, the Tahoma School District.  All of us, our students, families, citizens and businesses have benefitted by a robust and comprehensive school district.

For the Tahoma School District to maintain its goals of continuing excellence and improving programs, we must all examine our priorities and vote “Yes” April 26.

Maple Valley Creative Arts Council

Board of Directors

Mary Jane Glaser

Ken Fox,

Carrie Sundstrom,

Christina Grachek