It has become common knowledge and a crushing disappointment that

the public educational system is not adequately funded by the state, while

the demands and pressures placed on our schools and students to prepare for

the challenges of tomorrow continue to intensify. Since the schools must

fulfill the state-mandated requirements, where then must the schools turn

for relief, in order to obtain the necessary tools to do their job?

The board of directors of the Cedarcrest High School PTSA

would like to ask the community to help pass the following two-year measures

critical to the success of our schools in this district:

• Maintenance & Operations

“replacement” Levy. Without the

bi-annual renewal of the M & O Levy, the most basic functions of all our

schools will be either severely compromised or entirely eliminated, rendering

the quality of education for our students to fall far below the standard. We

cannot afford to let this measure fail.

Please note this will replace the existing M & O Levy currently

expiring, with only a $.04 per $1,000 increase in 2001 and a $.01 per

$1,000 decrease in 2002.

• Technology Levy (Example: for a house valued at $250,000 =

$87.50 per year average for two years). This levy will upgrade/replace the

antiquated systems presently disabling and hindering our children’s

progress and equip all five schools with a minimum number of computers

necessary for a start. Should we deny our students this opportunity, they would

be left so far behind other districts that their very future and ability to

compete would be at stake.

Please note the last attempt failed by only 52 votes.

• Performing Arts Center Completion Levy (Example: for a house

valued at $250,000 = $17.50 per year average for two years).

Completion of this center is well overdue, as the

facility accommodates not only school organizations but also various

community groups and events. Since the high school opened its doors six years

ago, Mrs. Karen King’s – the drama teacher – unwavering dedication and

commitment to her students and art has compelled her to invest enormous

amounts of time, energy and personal resources into what had begun literally as a

mere shell of a facility with only chairs as a luxury.

Currently, the Performing Arts Center is used for a variety of

concerts, plays and performances by the Seattle Symphony and others. Now is the

time to shift the burden to the community, since everyone stands to gain

from completion of this important facility.

Lastly, we urge you to remember that not voting will serve as a

“no” vote, as we count on your support

on Feb. 29. After all, as future taxpayers, our children deserve our very

best while they are learning and developing. By keeping up our obligation

now, all may reap the benefits later.

Thank you, in advance, for your support.

Helen Mellor

President, CHS PTSA

For the PTSA Board of Directors