Washington State ranks 43rd in the nation when it comes to investing in educating K-12 kids. Despite this and repeated budget shortfalls from the state, North Kitsap School District has been able to keep its head above water thanks to the levy dollars we all have been paying. The new levy, scheduled for vote on Feb. 9, will not impose a new tax addition to what is currently in place, but will replace the expired tax for the next four years.

After school activities, such as sports, band, clubs, all teach commitment and success through hard work and teamwork and are totally funded by this levy. They use about 12 percent of our levy dollars. While these activities are considered “extra curricular” most educators would say the lesson learned there are as important as ones learned in the classroom. These after school activities help to hold kids accountable by keeping them engaged and maintaining school spirit. School spirit translates into civic pride.

Kids take pride in becoming achievers when given the opportunity. It helps them to see the value of academic success. Cutting back on after school activities is truly unacceptable. We are all in this together and we need to remind one another that the decisions we make must be what will be best for the kids.

Irv Shotwell

Kingston