Statement For · Kyle Fisher and Molly Barnes
statement likely AICommittee: Kyle Fisher and Molly Barnes
Vote Yes because our children deserve safe, well-maintained schools. After the February election, voters asked for a different approach to addressing Monroe School District’s facility needs. The district listened. Proposition 1 is a smaller, more focused Capital Projects Levy that reduces the investment from approximately $152 million to $49 million while shifting from a 20-year bond to a four-year levy. It reflects what the community asked for: a shorter tax commitment, lower overall cost, phased approach to improvements, and a focus on the district’s most urgent needs. The Capital Project Levy will fund critical projects, including secure school entrances, fire and security system upgrades, roof and HVAC replacements, infrastructure repairs, and relocating Sky Valley Education Center to an updated and right-sized Wagner Center site. These are essential repairs and safety improvements that help keep schools safe, functional, and ready for learning. Washington state does not fully fund school construction, major repairs, or facility improvements. Those investments are made locally. In fact, 73% of Snohomish County school districts have voter-approved capital levies to fund school repairs and improvements. Monroe is one of only four districts without one. By addressing these needs now, we can avoid more costly emergency repairs while protecting our community’s investment in our schools. It’s time for Monroe to make the same commitment to safe, well-maintained schools that our neighboring districts have already made. When we take care of our schools, we take care of our community. Support our kids. Vote Yes on Proposition 1. Visit friendsofmonroesd.org.