Why is this levy so important?
As a lifelong resident of Yelm and a proud graduate of Yelm Community Schools, I have always been deeply connected to this community. My wife, Tracie, and I have raised our two sons, Austin and Logan, here, and both of them graduated from Yelm Community Schools. Today, as a REALTOR® and advocate for our community, I want to share my perspective on why voting "yes" for the proposed Education Programs & Operating Replacement Levy on February 11th is critical for our kids, our schools, and our future.
I understand firsthand the challenges many of our neighbors face. Housing affordability has become a pressing concern, and the rising cost of living affects us all. As a REALTOR®, I see these struggles every day, and I am deeply empathetic. We advocate to protect the interests of homeowners and will be at the Capitol this month to lobby against additional burdens being placed on them during our 2025 Legislative Days. I also share the frustration many of us feel about how schools are funded. The current system is far from perfect, and it’s disheartening to see how much bureaucracy surrounds the process. I am “all in” on reform and accountability, but that isn’t the measure we have in front of us today. The fact remains: this is the system we have, and for now, our children—and by extension, our community—are depending on us to make it work.
Good schools are fundamental to a strong community. They help shape future leaders, they attract families, and they protect the resale value of our homes. Quality education is an investment that pays dividends far beyond the classroom. But those outcomes aren’t possible without adequate funding.
The proposed levy, referred to as an “Enrichment Levy” in legislation, is a replacement of the levy authorized in 2020. It’s important to note that this is not a new tax; it’s a continuation of a commitment we’ve already made to our kids and our schools. If approved, the levy will provide $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value, which is slightly higher than 2024 levels, but well below the nearly $4.00 per $1000 voters approved as recently as 2020. The funds collected will directly support many essential programs and positions, including but not limited to:
- Classroom teachers and specialists in art, PE, music, drama, library, and technology
- Office support staff, para-educators, and supervision
- Special education services, nurses, counselors, and social workers
- School resource officers and safety staff
- Graduation and career readiness programs
- Technology, athletics, extracurricular activities, curriculum materials, and staff training
Without this levy, many of these critical resources will face further cuts, and our children will bear the brunt of those reductions. Unfortunately, the levy failed last year, and we have already seen the devastating impacts of this lack of funding. Programs have been scaled back, and essential resources for students and staff are stretched thin. The remaining 2025 school year is going to be an incredible challenge for our educators, students, and families--we can't afford to carry that burden into 2026.
If you’re unsure about whether our kids are suffering, I encourage you to volunteer in any school in the district for just one day. You’ll see the dedication of our educators, but you’ll also see the challenges they face. Levy funding is vital because it’s the only tax that stays 100% within our community. It directly benefits our children by providing resources and opportunities they might otherwise go without.
I benefited from levy funding when I was a student in Yelm, as did my sons. I suspect most of you reading this did as well. Even though I no longer have children in school, I’m committed to continuing the support our community provided for me and my family. It’s not just about paying it forward; it’s about ensuring that Yelm remains a strong, vibrant community for generations to come.
This funding isn’t just about numbers; it’s about ensuring that every child in Yelm has access to the opportunities they need to succeed. It’s about supporting our teachers, who work tirelessly to inspire and educate. And it’s about showing that we value education as the cornerstone of our community.
As we approach February 11th, I urge you to consider the impact this levy will have on our schools, our children, and our community as a whole. Voting "yes" is not just a vote for better schools; it’s a vote for a stronger Yelm.
Let’s come together to support this essential funding. Let’s ensure that every child in Yelm has the chance to thrive. And let’s continue the legacy of community support that has defined Yelm for generations. Our kids are worth it, and our community deserves it.
