As members of the Tonasket School Board, we are asking our voters to replace the expiring Maintenance and Operations Levy. Community support is crucial to our quest to provide quality programs and to maintain our facilities and grounds. Fortunately, levy dollars in our district are nearly matched by additional funds from the state, but we receive these matching funds ONLY if voters approve the levy. Ballots, separate from the presidential primary ballots, will be sent this week and must be postmarked no later than March 11th.

What will the levy do for our students? Over the next two years, levy dollars will be used to:

Update our entire social studies curriculum, our science curriculum in grades 6-12 and our technology so that our graduates will be competitive in future endeavors;

Provide our staff with the support and professional development needed to deliver a quality education utilizing proven teaching strategies;

Continue to keep our beautiful facilities and grounds in excellent condition;

Maintain a safe transportation system;

Continue special programs such as senior projects, 6th grade camp, and additional course offerings; and

Offer co-curricular programs, including athletics, the performing arts and Knowledge Bowl, while keeping participation fees low.

In recent years, the Tonasket School District has enjoyed an excellent reputation. This is due in large part to the support of our community. We are most grateful, and hope voters will continue their support. Any one of us is willing to answer questions. We may be contacted through the District Office, at 486-2126.

Respectfully,

Catherine Stangland, Chairwoman

Patti Baumgardner

Terry Nixon

Jerry Asmussen

Lloyd Caton

Tonasket School Board