Mercer Island High School alums support Feb. 2022 levy renewals
We are proud products of the Mercer Island School District (MISD) and want to see our schools remain strong. We are raising our own children in the same district where we grew up. Living here by choice because we know how much our Island community values, supports and invests in our students. Therefore, we write this letter urging all voters to join us in voting yes for both school levy renewals.
Mercer Island Public Schools have been consistently ranked as one of the best districts in the State of Washington for delivering education. Over the past 80 years, MISD and our community have educated over 17,000 MIHS graduates. As residents and graduates of Mercer Island, we are direct beneficiaries of our community’s investment in education. We hope you will join us in supporting both important levy renewals.
Over 50 MIHS grads who are raising our families on Mercer Island: Tom Acker, Debra Brandt, TJ Burke, Monica Burnside, Cathy Chen, Traci Curry, Melissa Coochise, Michelle Swanson Dumler, Jennell Russell Fuchs, Andrea Kusakabe Fukano, Greg Gottesman, Charlie Givan, Laurie Pettigrew Givan, Dan Glowitz, Debbie Hanson, Bill Hochberg, Laura Dunner Jantos, Ralph Jorgenson, Julie Keeler, Jennie Cameron King, Nick Lennington, Rachel Lennington, Deborah Lurie, Subeer Manhas, Heidi Wiedemann Martin, Jennifer Mattox, Kathy Moffett McDonald, Julie Parker Newcomer, Janice Nice, Salim Nice, Dodi Nov, Julie Ogata Ciobanu, Randy Ogata, Stephanie Parmenter, Carolyn Pirak, Sarah Rowe, Karen Kuhn Schmid, John Schreuder, Elysia Sloan, Sarah Smith, Tracy Sigmon, Greta (Anderson) Stednick, LeeAnn Baker Steding, Kim Thomas, Gautam Velamoor, Erik Viafore, Kirsten Hart Ward, Jim Weisfield, Shelley Whelan, Carolyn Wood, Shauna Swerland Youssefina.
Mercer Island School District PTA general memberships and/or executive boards have endorsed both 2022 MISD School Levy Renewals on the ballot this Feb. 8, 2022.
These are not new taxes. Voters previously approved by over 71%. Our members support our students and community. We keep Mercer Island schools funded and continue to provide the best educational environment and opportunities for our students by passing renewals.
The 4-year Educational Programs and Operations Levy Renewal replace the previous 4-year levy that expires this year. This funding will support:
■ 17% of the school district’s total budget
■ 40% of the school district’s special education budget (services provided by FAPE protected)
■ School nurses at all schools
■ Funding a seven period day at MIHS
■ Advanced science, math, 5th grade band, art, language, radio, Destination Imagination, and clubs.
The 6-year Capital Projects and Technology Levy Renewal will replace the previous 6-year levy that expires this year. This funding will support:
■ Maintenance, safety, and energy upgrades at all schools
■ Mary Wayte Pool refresh of locker rooms, pool deck, and viewing areas (if passed supported by a matching 1:1 King County Parks Grant)
■ MIHS tennis court resurfacing and lights, increasing court availability by 35%
■ MIHS fields maintenance and upgrades including new turf and lights
■ Planning for a transition to electric buses
■ Playground and classroom upgrades
■ Maintenance upgrades critically needed to extend the life of our aging buildings.
On behalf of our students, vote yes on both school levy renewals. Learn more through a brief video and FAQ at https://yesmischools.org. Thank you for supporting our students and community!
From your MI PTSA Presidents: Debbie Burke and Maria Alberto, MIHS; Carol Gregory, IMS; Carol Kuo and Julian Bradley, Island Park; Nancy Weil, Lakeridge; Cathy Chen, Northwood; Michele Agosti, West Mercer.
Letter submitted by Jennifer Crespi on behalf of MI PTA Presidents
