Educating our students is a shared responsibility that benefits all of us – whether we are currently parents of school-age children or not. Of course, educating kids is not free and every year the cost to do it well increases. This month, voters are being asked to pass a bond and levies in support of our Northshore School District. Read more here.

As a parent of two Northshore students, I see firsthand everyday the challenges that our teachers and administrators have serving students in schools that are bursting at the seams. Additionally, our district is still functioning in the K-6, 7-9, 10-12 grade configuration. Building a new high school will allow the district to shift to the K-5, 6-8, 9-12 configuration that is sorely needed. Academically strong students in 6th and 9th grades are ready for the challenge that higher level courses offer. But enrolling in them is nearly impossible because of the current configuration.

If we want our students to reach their potential, we need to continually improve our Northshore schools. The February bond and levies will allow us to do that at the low cost of $62 per year for an owner of a $400,000 home. Aren’t our community kids worth $62 per year?

Kirsten Senturia, Woodinville