As a retired educator and coach of over 40 years and a current resident of Enumclaw, I feel compelled to write in support of the Enumclaw School District’s educational and operations levy. I had the opportunity to work in a number of school districts in my career around the Plateau and Puget Sound and was blessed to have taught and coached in Enumclaw.

I have witnessed first hand the impact that levy dollars have on students and I also witnessed the negative impact in districts when levies are not passed. Thankfully, Enumclaw has a strong history of consistently saying yes to levies and yes to students.

Because the state of Washington does not fully fund schools, we need levy dollars so we can provide many of the most essential and enriching programs that we offer for our students. A no vote on the levy would reduce programs that kids need the most. As a former coach, I know first hand that a no vote would likely mean middle school athletics and activities programs would be reduced or eliminated. A no vote would likely mean freshman and/or JV teams at the high school would be eliminated. A no vote would likely mean the reduction or elimination of non-revenue generating sports and clubs that we offer like water polo, swim and dive, gymnastics, lacrosse, and so many more.

A yes vote does not mean the district is asking us for more. A yes vote means that we will be able to continue to offer the opportunities and programs that kids currently participate in. A yes vote ensures that kids get to participate, grow, learn, and get help when needed. A yes vote eliminates the tears that come when kids are told that we simply can not offer that program any more because we don’t have the funding. A yes vote supports all of the kids in our K-12 system. A yes vote sends a message to our kids that we care about them whether we are a parent, a grandparent, an uncle, an aunt, or a new or longtime member of our community.

I encourage you to vote YES as soon as you get your ballot and encourage others to do the same.

David Stokke

Enumclaw