Q: Would you support an operating levy?

I don't believe an operating levy should ever be the first solution. Before asking taxpayers for additional funding, a district has a responsibility to advocate for better state funding, carefully manage its resources, look for efficiencies, and make difficult budget reductions when necessary.

Our district has done that. Over the past three years, we've reduced the operating budget by more than $12 million while working to protect classroom learning as much as possible.

At some point, however, continued reductions begin to affect the quality of education we can provide our students. I believe we are reaching the point where it is appropriate to begin having an honest conversation with our community about the future of our schools.

I want to hear from our community. I want to understand what families, students, and taxpayers value most in their schools, consider the district's financial needs, evaluate our local tax burden in comparison with neighboring districts, and weigh the trade-offs of continued reductions versus additional local investment.

Our district is made up of many residents who no longer have children attending our schools - or may never have had children in the district. Yet I believe our schools are part of the fabric of our community.

I have spoken with many residents without school-aged children who still value strong public schools. They recognize that quality schools help attract families, support property values, prepare the next generation, and contribute to the vitality of our community. They also value opportunities our schools provide beyond the school day, including music and theater performances, Community Education programs, sports, and facilities like the PAC that bring people together.

Whether someone has children in our schools today or not, decisions about investing in public education affect the entire community. That is why I believe it is important to listen broadly and ensure all voices are part of the conversation.

If, after that process, I believe an operating levy is necessary to preserve the quality of education our community expects and the proposal is fiscally responsible, I would support asking voters to decide. Ultimately, that decision belongs to the community.