Levy dollars are about Cheney education future

I am a retired Cheney Middle School teacher who worked for the Cheney School District for 30 years and in education for a total of 38 years. I have been involved with our local school district for the last five years with various bonds and levies. I have come to trust this leadership and administration, who have demonstrated a consistent pattern of genuine concern and an awareness of the importance of asking for support of taxpayer dollars.

It is important to note that the two propositions in front of voters are replacement levies not new tax dollars. The money collected for this proposal would start in 2022. It does not affect 2021 dollars, which were already approved by a previous vote. In fact, the total levy dollars the district is collecting for 2021 is estimated at $1.87 per $1,000 while the new proposals combine for an estimated $1.75 per $1,000.

While it is my opinion these are very conservative measures placed before you as taxpayers, they still represent 11% of the total operating budget. If these dollars are not approved, there will need to be substantial cuts in various categories of the budget including many activities and extra staffing positions, not currently funded by basic education. Please check the Cheney School District website for additional specific information regarding this portion of the budget.

This leadership team is very aware of the financial and emotional strain the past year has placed on many of you. We are all hopeful that by 2022, schools can get back to a more “normal“ school year and operation on a daily basis. One significant part of getting back to normal will require passage of these two propositions and a yes vote from all of us.

It is my hope that you will join me by voting “yes” for kids by Feb. 9.

Don Eggart

Cheney