The Washington state constitution specifically says: “It is the state paramount duty to full fund K-12 education.”

In regards to the opinion article in the Jan. 18 issue of The Independent, Stephen Kaio-Maddox stated that: “State and federal dollars fund only 78 percent of the day-to-day operations of schools.” This statement is true.

But why isn’t the state funding education 100 percent?

They are responsible immediately and this has been ordered to do so by a Superior County judge.

Mr. Kaio-Maddox also stated that: “Voting yes for the South Kitsap School District school replacement levy will ensure that Port Orchard continues that belief in the welfare of our children.”

What about the welfare of the homeowners who are retired and on fixed incomes? I am one of those people and I can’t afford any more taxes of any sort. I will vote NO on any kind of tax increases.

It’s time that the state and parents take responsibility and pay for the children’s education in full. We need to eliminate local levies because they are very costly to taxpayers.

Washington state has plenty revenue from all kinds of taxes (booze, cigaretttes, etc.). Every citizen should be telling their legislators that we need to change in how we fund schools and the state needs to comply with the state constitution to fully fund K-12 education.

Rob Daughtery

Ollala