Letters to the Editor | More support for Proposition 1

Over the past years, I've had the privilege to do murals at two of our local Monroe schools. In both cases, I was deeply impressed by the dedication of the leadership and staff of each of them.

Consequently, it's a no-brainer to stand with our school board, community leaders, the majority of Monroe students and parents and those who have taken the time to study this bond, and vote "yesGÇ¥ when casting my ballot - especially considering that there will be no tax increase for our residents.

The major planks of the bond, i.e., student security, equipment upgrades, improvement of athletic fields and the inclusion of each and every district school for improvement, will add a powerful plus to the Monroe area as we look to future growth. What really impressed, was that the state will add $21.3 million matching funds to this $110 million bond. We just cannot lose this tremendous opportunity to support our schools AND our future.

-á -á -á -á -á -á -á -á -á David Hose

-á -á -á -á -á -á Founder

American Light Studio

Monroe

Take a break from hearing how the politicians can't seem to agree on anything. Go to

"voteyes4monroeschools.orgGÇ¥ and click on endorsements and see who's endorsing Monroe's school bond. Big and small businesses. Elected officials who lean both right and left. The Monroe Chamber of Commerce. Not-for-profit leadership. The Monroe City Council (first time ever!). Legends Baseball Club. Current and past school board members. Current and past teachers.-á

When your ballot comes in the mail in April, please join me GÇô and a LOT of other community supporters GÇô in voting "yesGÇ¥!

Jenny Coan

Monroe

The Monroe community has a school bond election coming up soon, on April 28. This election is an opportunity to affirm our support for our children and our community, without an increase in taxes. Our old school bonds are expiring, and the new bonds will maintain the same rate of $1.48 [per] $1,000 in valuation.

Monroe Public Schools has been a good steward of public funds with the expiring bonds, completing many necessary improvements. However, much more work remains. I was a member of the 2014 Capital Facility Plan committee and participated in a thorough review of all the district's facilities. We compiled a detailed list of improvements and investments in the future that should be made to keep our schools in shape to fulfill our educational mission. We distilled and prioritized the list, and presented it to the school board as our recommendation for action. The board responded by developing this bond proposal to fund the implementation of the most urgent components. -á

Every school in the district receives funding for improvement, with the oldest buildings getting the most support. Even with the great care given, everything in a building, from roofs to heating and ventilation systems, lighting, carpets and security and safety systems, wears out over time and must be replaced. This bond will help keep our schools safe, efficient and effective for our community.

My two sons completed grades K-12 in Monroe. The second finished more than 10 years ago.-á They received a solid education that prepared them well for the productive careers they are now launched into. Those careers have taken them elsewhere, so I don't have grandchildren in the school district. -á

I am the taxpayer without a direct stake in the strength of the school program. Why do I support this bond election? I will refer back to one of the guiding principles the Capital Facility committee used in its work: Because it is the right thing for kids. I want the young families in our community to receive the same benefits that my sons did. Please vote yes for our schools.

Mark Carlson

Snohomish