The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Dear Editor,

In late January registered voters in the Dayton School District will be asked to determine the fate of two school levy measures, a replacement Maintenance and Operations Levy and a Capital Project levy. Both measures are worthy of your support.

The M&O levy provides 25% of the District’s budgeted revenue. This funding provides financial support necessary for operational cost and general maintenance and repair tasks. Local dollars support small class sizes and academic support in K-12 classrooms, college prep curriculum and career training. An increase in the M&O levy is intended to support a K-12 Counselor position, assist with an After School Program and provide staff to meet the needs of the community’s children.

M&O funds are used to provide athletics, clubs, and activities to more than half of Dayton’s junior and senior high school students. State basic education funding does not provide any financial support for these programs.

The Capital Projects levy will provide the continued support for technology began by community members in 2007. The levy will fund computer equipment purchases to provide reliable access to technology for students and instructional staff.

Capital Project Levy will also provide for identified facility needs including:

Re-shingle roofs installed during the 1985 remodel

Replace/rebuild aging exterior doors

Complete irrigation system

Restore safe asphalt surface for elementary playground and bus loading zone

Upgrade inadequate phone and communication system to provide a higher level of safety and security

Your help is needed to care for the community’s investment in facilities and the educational needs of our children. Thank you.

Douglas Johnson

Dayton