Non-profit partners with school district, encourages ‘yes’ vote
As executive director for Communities In Schools of Peninsula, I am writing to strongly support Peninsula School District’s 2012 replacement levy.

CISP is a local non-profit organization that is separate from PSD yet provides free programs and services to the students and families of the district. Because the state does not fully fund education, I believe it is the responsibility of the community and local organizations to provide the necessary dollars that are needed to keep our schools running at the standards our local children deserve.

Replacement levy funds will pay for a variety of critical PSD services and staffing needs, one of which is extended day activities at our schools. Although CISP has successfully been partnering with PSD to offer reading and math after-school programs one day a week at 10 school sites, much more is needed to help our children succeed in school and in life.

I am proud to be a PSD parent of two. My daughter graduated from Peninsula High School in 2007 and has since graduated from Pacific Lutheran University.

I support the PSD replacement levy not only because of the great job they are doing already, but also because of the way a great school system helps to shape and form a community. Adults need to care about the future leadership and work force of Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula, and by voting “yes,” we will protect our community assets.

Colleen Speer
Executive director,
Communities In Schools of Peninsula


It’s a bad decision to ask for a tax increase during hard economic times
As I read the information on the Peninsula School District website and look at my property tax records, I see that the “continuing levy” request is a lot more than that. It is a tax increase that I just can’t afford at this time.

I read where Gov. Chris Gregoire wants to raise sales tax and gas taxes, too. I wish they would all listen to President Obama when he said, “a recession is not the time to raise taxes.”

I support the schools, but at this time, I am at my limit and can’t afford higher taxes. Many out here are hurting and just getting by. All these tax increases will hurt these families and could even break budgets and lead to more foreclosures.

Why does the school district need to raise taxes now? They should tighten their belts like the rest of us and live within their means, not ask for us to pay higher taxes as we all endure this terrible recession.

Voters have sent a strong message to government that we don’t want higher taxes, but they don’t seem to be listening. For the district to ask us for a tax increase at this time is a bad decision.

Mike Abernathy
Gig Harbor

With pockets empty, taxpayers will vote ‘no’ on every increase

I must disagree with the Gateway editorial board and their endorsement of the school levy.
Washington state leaders want to increase sales tax, gas tax, and tax oil companies, which will pass that onto me. Leaders are talking about an income tax again, many fees will go up, and bridge tolls and ferry fares all will go higher. The WSDOT taskforce recommends billions in new taxes and fees. We now pay fees to use our state parks. The county just raised sales tax to fund a new radio system, has raised our fees for surface water management and now wants Gig Harbor to pay for flood management of the Puyallup River.

Many in Gig Harbor are not wealthy. I feel like the Monopoly man on the board game with my pockets turned inside out. Now our schools are standing on street corners, waving signs with kids, with their hats in their hand, asking for more money. I am living payday to payday and wonder how long those paydays will last.

Taxpayers have reached their limit, and to ask for more from us at this time is unfair at best. I love our kids, appreciate the school’s work, but I am at the end of my financial rope, and taxing demands keep coming. I feel guilty voting “no,” but I have no choice. I find myself in a position of voting against every tax increase I am asked to vote for.

Dave Dormier
Gig Harbor

Former Peninsula schools superintendent endorses levy
The Peninsula School District, by any criteria, is a superb district. It is recognized for its graduates, excellent educators, and supportive parents and community.

When a delegation from China, representing the Tsinghua School in Beijing, was searching for the best school district to partner with, they chose Peninsula.

After the Chinese visited schools in California, Oregon and Washington, Peninsula was selected because the delegation was most impressed with the students, the quality of the schools and the community. To maintain the high standards of the Peninsula schools, it is necessary to ask the citizens to support the upcoming levy.

Unfortunately, the state does not provide adequate funding to schools. I became the superintendent after the district went through several years of failed levies. Those years had a severe negative impact on the district, and neither the district nor the community should ever again experience the consequences of a failed levy. I am forever grateful to the taxpayers for supporting the levies during my tenure.

I strongly encourage the citizens of the Key Peninsula and Gig Harbor to support the students and teachers in the upcoming levy. Good schools and good communities are a sound investment.

Jim Coolican
Former superintendent,
Peninsula School District
Flat Rock, Mich.