In two weeks, voters will be asked to vote on the 2012 Peninsula School District levy. Out in our community, there appears to be an abundance of misunderstandings regarding what a levy is or what it does for schools, the students who attend them, and the community at large.

From a historical perspective, we need to remember that Washington is one of only 12 states in the union that is a “populace” state. By definition, that means the ultimate power to legislate resides in the people, not government.

We do that through the process of initiatives and referendums. The purpose of levies is to give the power to the people at the local level, not the government, to determine funding for schools in our communities.

Thus, every three or four years, schools must come before the people to gain their approval for funding maintenance, operations and replacement educational programs for schools.

This year, the Peninsula School District is asking voters for a renewal of its levy that includes a 5 percent increase in the levy lid. What this will pay for during the next four years is the maintenance of existing facilities; keeping the learning day for kindergartners at four full days per week; continuing health technicians at each school; and paying part of the salary costs for teachers and support staff.

Before we jump on the bandwagon either for or against the initiative, it is important to ask the question regarding the elephant in the room: What has the school district administrative staff done to streamline their operations, improve efficiencies of operation, and cut costs during this tough economic recession? After all, we have all been asked to do more with less.

Has the school district done its part? The answer is: Yes.

They started with a 1.9 to 5 percent salary reduction for all employees, including the superintendent, and cut $15 million in operations and deferred maintenance.

In other words, they have been good stewards of our tax dollars, something we as a community should have cause to celebrate when compared with other school districts in our state.

While it is never right to pass taxes for the sake of putting more money in the kitty or encouraging more spending at a time when voters can least afford it, there are times when it is prudent to do so.

That is when money is spent for a specific purpose and is done so with the consent of the people.
This levy happens to fit such a purpose.

It took years for Gig Harbor to gain the reputation of having one of the most livable communities in the state, which is due in part to having not good but great schools.

When one asks, “What’s in it for me when I have no kids in school?” The answer is that property values are tied directly not only to the amenities of the community but to the quality of the schools.

To sustain that reputation and community value, I would encourage you to take a second look at the school district’s proposed levy.

Come Feb. 14, say “yes” to our schools.

Stan Flemming is elected to represent Gig Harbor, Fox Island and the Key Peninsula on the Pierce County Council. In addition, he is a board-certified family medicine physician, educator and humanitarian.