My husband and I retired to our home in Enumclaw three years ago. We moved to be closer to our youngest son and his family. Our son has one child at Byron Kibler Elementary and one in preschool. The beauty of the area, including Mount Rainier, and the community have made us very happy. I love walking down the street and having people greet you with a smile.

My husband and I work part-time as substitute teachers in the Enumclaw School District. I have subbed in all five elementary schools while my husband prefers to work at Enumclaw Middle School, Thunder Mountain Middle School or Enumclaw High School. During my working in the schools, I have seen buckets and garbage cans in the hallways and classrooms at Byron Kibler during a heavy rain storm. My granddaughter was told to wear extra layers on a school day when the boilers at Kibler were not providing heat in the school. I have been at Southwood and Westwood where the temperatures of individual classrooms are not able to be regulated. I prepare myself each day by dressing in layers so that I can adjust based on the room temperature. To access the locked front door at elementary school buildings someone in the office needs to leave their desk and come over to let subs, parents and students into the building.

Enumclaw School District is asking us, community members, to give our support to the capital levy on April 22. This levy will fund roof repairs and replacement at JJ Smith, Byron Kibler, Westwood, EHS. Heating needs will be addressed at Southwood, Byron Kibler, Westwood and EHS. Lighting at JJ Smith, Kibler, and EHS auditorium will be upgraded. All schools will receive electronic access control so entrances will be secure and visitors can be buzzed in. Most school kitchens need new equipment, ovens and dishwashers to support student nutritional needs. Other funded items include new hot water heaters, water shut-off valves, fire alarm panel replacement where they are needed. Buses will receive GPS and radio replacement.

The District’s list of repairs includes many things we would repair or replace in our own homes without thinking twice. Call a roofer if we have a leak. Buy a new water heater if ours goes out. Invest in a new furnace or repair one to provide a comfortable temperature. We take care of our homes. Let’s take care of our children, our future, the same way that we take care of our family. Vote yes with my me and my husband for the ESD Capital Levy on April 22.

Louise Moynihan

Enumclaw