Mercer Island parents are known for their incredible support of our schools. We are forward-thinking citizens who value education. In fact, our demographics show that we are one of the most highly educated communities in the state. We serve in PTA positions, work on fine arts committees and booster clubs, volunteer in classrooms, chaperone field trips, organize science fairs, sponsor amazing speakers and pack the house for every curriculum night and try to support our children’s education in any way we can. Our schools simply would not be the same without our commitment and passion.

But did you know that many of us are so busy supporting our kids that we forget to vote?

Supporting our district’s levies on the Feb. 9 ballot is the most important thing you, as a parent, can do to ensure the continued quality and excellence of our schools. Our general fund levy alone funds 88 teachers in our district. That is 35 percent of our staff. What will our classrooms look like if we lose 88 teachers? What kind of an education can we expect for our kids if we can’t provide the basics they need to get to college? Our levies enable our kids to compete and succeed. Simply put, we need to support our schools locally to even come close to providing the education that our community expects for our kids.

So, when that ballot arrives in your mailbox the week of Jan. 18, please vote! It has never been more important.

Joan Wold, Co-President MI PTA Council

Mary Kay Woolston, Co-President MI PTA Council