As many are already aware, the South Kitsap School District will be asking our community to renew its soon expiring operations levy.

The levy renewal, which represents 16 percent of the SKSD operational budget, will be on the Feb. 3, 2009 ballot.

The SKSD has been very transparent with its request and has been incredibly responsible with the manner in which it has incorporated the expiring levy into their past budgets.

Our district has lived through years in which they have been exasperated by failed levies, and therefore is extremely cautious to remain committed to fiscal responsibility.

As a parent of two children enrolled in this district, I have the utmost respect for the excellence that our teachers, administrators, support staff and volunteers show to our community and its youth.

I, for one, ask for our community to define itself by the excellence of this education. This is the foundation for success, health and vibrancy within our community.

I am serving as chairman for the South Kitsap School Supporters (SKSS) as we march towards the ballot measure. SKSS’s goal is to educate our voters about the facts of this levy and to have our community share our conviction towards the thousands of children enrolled in our schools.

Finally, we need our community to vote when the ballots are mailed.

This levy is critical for our children to succeed with their educational endeavors. Please vote “Yes ti renew” the expiring levy.

The timing of this levy is arguably not the ideal time. With that said, the existing levy is indeed expiring, and the levy renewal must be taken to vote now.

I am reminded in these times about the importance of education and the importance of supporting our education system.

Join me in reflection upon a quote by Eric Hoffer: “In a time of drastic change, it is the learners who inherit the future. The learned find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists.”

SHAWN CUCCIARDI

Port Orchard