I am proud to be a part of the elementary educational process here in North Kitsap. As a teacher/librarian, I face many challenges in providing the best possible education for our students. One of the most difficult situations is funding. Increasingly, we, the public, are asked to provide essential support through local levies.

Transportation, libraries, music, physical education, counseling, food service, learning assistance and instructional aides are among the programs fully or partially funded through levy dollars. These are critical areas in the growth and development of our students.

If we expect our children to become caring, successful citizens of the future, we must support their education. We can do that by voting “yes” on the upcoming Feb. 9 North Kitsap School District Levy.

Remember that this levy is a replacement one, not a levy asking you to pay additional taxes. It continues the funding that taxpayers have already been directing to the schools.

And don’t forget, in addition to supporting the schools by voting “yes” on the replacement levy, please get involved at the school board level or volunteer at your local school.

Kathee McNeely-Mobley

Kingston