The vote for the replacement levy for the Enumclaw School District is quickly approaching and I am casting my vote as an excited and emphatic “yes”! I am choosing “yes” for many reasons… here are a couple I would like to share.

This replacement levy is not a new tax. This is something that the schools count on and have for many years to make up the difference between what the state provides to fund the schools and what is actually needed. The great news is that the state has increased education spending, although the amount they are planning to fund is still not enough to fully fund the district. This means that Enumclaw schools have asked for less taxpayer money in this levy. You can fund the schools, replace the levy and pay less than you ever have. It’s a win for the schools and a win for your pocketbook.

I have four children in Enumclaw public schools and they all benefit from programs that are supported by the renewal of the operational levy. My kids in choir and drama get to participate in high-quality programs that have very low participation fees. Low participation fees help to keep these programs equitable. No child ever has to worry about a high user fee to participate. One of my children receives special education services that help them thrive and succeed in school. These services would not be fully funded without the replacement levy. One of my children enjoys leadership programs at EMS, also partially funded by the levy.

I was told last week that the replacement levy will total approximately 11 percent of the total yearly budget in the Enumclaw School District. I started to think about what I would do if 11 percent of our income disappeared in my own household. We would have to cut things we enjoy having. We would probably have to make cuts to things we actually need. We would have to make hard choices. Imagine what kinds of choices the school district would have to make if they don’t have a fully funded budget. Let’s make sure as a community this doesn’t happen.

The vision this year for the Enumclaw School District is #impact. Our schools, teachers, paraeducators and administrators make an impact in our children’s lives every day. I feel it and see it in my own house on a daily basis. It’s time for the community to be part of the impact. It’s time to vote yes so the quality work that is happening in the schools continues to happen. Join me in voting “yes.” When you get your ballot, open it, fill it out and send it right back. Be part of the impact this year.

Emily Gomes

Auburn