Editor,
As a current and past parent within the Yelm Community Schools District, I am reaching out to urge our community to come together and vote YES in the upcoming levy. This is not just about our schools; it’s about the future of our children and our community as a whole. A failed levy has had serious consequences, not just for our schools but for local property values and the overall desirability of our area. When our schools struggle, it leads to decreased property values, making our community less attractive to potential residents and businesses. Additionally, job losses— not only for our dedicated school staff but also for local jobs that depend on a thriving school system.
Our students are finally on the path to recovery after the sacrifices made during the pandemic. They are regaining valuable skills, forming meaningful friendships, and rejoining teams, clubs, and extracurricular activities. These connections are crucial for their academic and social development. Unfortunately, the state does not provide funding for these essential student activities and athletics, which enrich the educational experience.
If the levy does not pass, we face a harsh financial reality: possibility of no sports teams, significant cuts to staff, including teachers and mental health professionals, larger class sizes, and a loss of vital social and emotional support for our students.
