To the editor:

Good schools are the cornerstone of a vibrant community. Voter support of the South Whidbey School District has been strong over the years and a source of community pride. I encourage you to vote for the two school levies that will be on the ballot for the Feb. 9 election. Each of these levies is a replacement levy and not a new tax.

As a public official and former school board president, I am aware of the financial challenges that schools are facing. The state does not fully fund schools and local levies are needed to cover close to 24 percent of the school district budget.

Continuing to pass these levies is even more vital since the state Legislature has drastically reduced education funding under its current budget.

One levy is for maintenance and operations to maintain class size and current programs and services. The other is for capital projects and technology to repair the elementary and high school roofs, upgrade classroom technology and teacher/staff technology training. The $14.6 million being requested is similar to previous levies.

If we want to keep our young families on South Whidbey, we need to continue to invest in our schools, especially during these difficult economic times. The public schools need our support. Please vote yes for these important school levies.

Paul Samuelson

Mayor of Langley