Dear Editor,

Like most of the state’s school districts, over 20% of Dayton’s school budget has to be covered by the local citizenry - the state clearly has not met its constitutional mandate to fund basic education. Until that situation gets resolved I am voting “yes” in support of Dayton’s upcoming replacement levy.

The funds are needed to ensure that students have a safe and educationally adequate facility which will prepare them for an incredibly diverse and complex world. The finances will provide for a continuation of education needs and hopefully, with the prodding of the State Supreme Court, the state legislature will amply fund basic Ed and eliminate the need for future local block disbursements. 

Not maintaining essential programs and facilities is intolerable. Remember, we wisely invest in our community and ourselves when we invest in our youth.

Jeff McCann

Dayton