Editor,
We’re not in Boston, and this is not a tea party!
Over the years, we have seen a greater revolt in our community over passing dollars needed to keep our Yelm Community Schools competitive and providing a safe and structured focus to our kids’ education. How Yelm became ground zero for a Washington state political revolt is perplexing.
For those who are trying to make a point and are demanding accountability, can you describe to the rest of us in this community what you have accomplished, besides sadness and a path of destruction? Sadness that our kids’ futures are at stake. Sadness that our teachers have an overwhelming challenge. Sadness that those who care are afraid for our next generation’s future. COVID was enough for this generation.
I’ve seen a lot of posts trying to point out inaccurate data on our school district’s performance. Refer to the Washington School Improvement Framework located on the OSPI website for accurate data. From 2015 to COVID, Yelm was doing great. It was something of which to be proud. COVID impacted all schools in the state. Our elementary schools are having a great comeback. These kids were least affected by COVID. Our kids who were in the COVID warzone have more opportunities for improvement. What a great time to remove funding for a group of kids who can’t get a break!
Economically, the failure of the levy is revolt based without the anticipation of the impact this will have on all homeowners. What the naysayers are saving in taxes for a maintenance fund will adversely impact the rest of us significantly by devaluing our homes. Strong school districts equal higher property values. In other communities across the nation who have gone through similar revolts, it impacted values by 5-20%.
Yelm is on a growth pattern. More housing and businesses are coming in. What does this mean? The levy is for a “fixed” annual revenue for the school district. When businesses move in, their values are greater and pay a greater proportion of the fund. Furthermore, the more taxpayers, the more it dilutes what each individual taxpayer must pay. No, your levy taxes do not go up correspondingly with your property value. Do not believe the urban myths.
I encourage the naysayers to experience the sadness at any school event. You made whatever point you were trying to make. What else do you want? What is your end game? One of two things will happen at this point: 1. Our school district will have to make more cuts, making the education environment worse. Our school reputation will be damaged ruining our real estate market. This will drive down values and increase foreclosure rates with those with little equity; or 2. We can move forward. We can pass this levy. We can rebuild from the damage done. We can focus on our current kids who have gone through utter hell the last four years. The damage done will take time to heal. If only I could write more than 500 words!
Doug Jaquez
Yelm
