There is a crisis in funding K-12 education in Washington state. As such, I am asking our community to do what you can to support Central Kitsap schools and all of our students. If there is one thing we need to do well, even in the depths of this recession, it is to educate our children. The future of these students, our community and the economy depend upon it. The education we provide today will last a lifetime.

The cuts to the state’s education programs are real and they are deep. Like many of you, I personally benefitted from the strong public schools in our county. I am proud of the fact that we have a school district in Central Kitsap that is recognized as one of the best in the state of Washington. This excellence and the positive impact it brings to our community is at risk.

While the Central Kitsap School District struggles to keep its basic programs intact, many things are at risk of being reduced or eliminated including advanced placement classes, music programs, transportation routes, co-curricular activities such as drama, sports and more. Classroom sizes will increase without additional support. The Supplemental School Support Levy will not maintain everything — but it will help lessen the damage.

Every staff termination notice delivered means more unemployment in our community, significantly reduced learning opportunities and a greater likelihood that a student will not have the tools he or she needs to compete in the 21st Century economy. A good education is our future, which is why Central Kitsap schools need additional support.

Election day is Feb. 14. Most Central Kitsap residents should have already received ballots. I encourage everyone in our community to vote to support our children, schools and in favor of passing this critical Supplemental School Support Levy.