Kids top the list of reasons to pass school bond

It’s simple. We’re a community, “a group of people living together” practicing “joint ownership or liability.” As voters, we own responsibility to make informed decisions about the safety and security — especially for children who do not yet have the privilege to vote.

A decision we must make, is passing the upcoming Monroe School Bond.

Why? Students’ safety and security. Physical risks. Smart financial planning. Avoiding tax increases. Community livability. Our own consciences.

Unimaginable events like Columbine are terrifying, and on a much less dramatic but far more prevalent level, our children’s physical safety is at risk. Many readers cannot understand how hazardous these aging buildings are becoming without a need to physically step foot inside.

To illustrate, my child’s school, Salem Woods Elementary is 35 years old and serves 450 students, including autistic, visually impaired students, special and general education students from kindergarten through fifth grade. With its wide-open campus, multiple entrances/exits and doors that face the street, this elementary has absolutely no security or protection from an outside threat. The doors have to be locked from the outside in case of an emergency.

The HVAC system is failing. Classrooms of children wear coats nearly year round to stay warm, and the roof leaks so badly that garbage cans are used to catch rainwater in multiple places. Frank Wagner and Park Place Middle Schools are in similar, if not worse, condition and pose the same risks of a wide open campus.

It is not a matter of if we need to fix our schools, it’s a matter of how fast can we act together as a community to do it. The district worked for more than two years with community members including parents to physically tour each facility and prioritize necessities. This work formed the board’s proposal.

Although I dislike politics, I find myself talking to everyone I can about our Monroe School District proposed bond. Why? Passing is is imperative!

Money is always an issue, so here’s a key point: the tax rate is not going up — it renews at exactly the same rate as we homeowners already pay. While that is awesome, I want you to vote “yes” because you don’t want our kids sitting in leaky, cold, unsafe classrooms!!

We need 60 percent “yes” votes to pass this bond, and since only 30 percent of Monroe voters turn out to vote, when I say “every vote counts,” it is not a line!

Individuals you know and respect are endorsing: The Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA, former and current city Mayors, Take the Next Step, the City of Monroe Council, ourfFirefighters, all of our school PTAs, busineses, second- and third generation families. Look here for others, more information, and ways YOU can help: www.voteyes4monroeschools.org. Call 360-804-2503 to arrange a building tour to see for yourself.

On the fence? Remember: The children you vote “yes” for by April 28 will include future leaders making important decisions affecting you and I in our aging years. Let’s show them by example what’s important.

Cole Fleury is a Monroe resident and Monroe School District parent.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, March 28

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Initiative promoter Tim Eyman takes a selfie photo before the start of a session of Thurston County Superior Court, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, in Olympia, Wash. Eyman, who ran initiative campaigns across Washington for decades, will no longer be allowed to have any financial control over political committees, under a ruling from Superior Court Judge James Dixon Wednesday that blasted Eyman for using donor's contributions to line his own pocket. Eyman was also told to pay more than $2.5 million in penalties. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Editorial: Initiative fee increase protects process, taxpayers

Bumped up to $156 from $5, the increase may discourage attempts to game the initiative process.

Protecting forests and prevent another landslide like Oso

Thank you for the powerful and heartbreaking article about the Oso landslide… Continue reading

Boeing’s downfall started when engineers demoted

Boeing used to be run by engineers who made money to build… Continue reading

Learn swimming safety to protect kids at beach, pool

Don’t forget to dive into water safety before hitting the pool or… Continue reading

Comment: Why shootings have decreased but gun deaths haven’t

High-capacity magazines and ‘Glock switches’ that allow automatic fire have increased lethality.

Washington state senators and representatives along with Governor Inslee and FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez break ground at the Swift Orange Line on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Community Transit making most of Link’s arrival

The Lynnwood light rail station will allow the transit agency to improve routes and frequency of buses.

An image of Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin is reflected in a storefront window during the State of the City Address on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at thee Everett Mall in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: State of city address makes case for Everett’s future

Mayor Franklin outlines challenges and responses as the city approaches significant decisions.

FILE - The massive mudslide that killed 43 people in the community of Oso, Wash., is viewed from the air on March 24, 2014. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
Editorial: Mapping landslide risks honors those lost in Oso

Efforts continue in the state to map areas prone to landslides and prevent losses of life and property.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, March 27

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Burke: ‘Why not write about Biden, for once?’ Don’t mind if I do.

They asked; I’ll oblige. Let’s consider what the president has accomplished since the 2020 election.

Comment: Catherine missed chance to dispel shame of cancer

She wasn’t obligated to do so, but she might have used her diagnosis to educate a sympathetic public.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.