As I read the letters concerning the [South Kitsap School District] levy, there is obviously a lack of understanding of what the issues are. There is no one on the planet that does not support education and want the best for their kids. But there will never be enough money from the state or any levy to fill the wish list of any district.

One side thinks that anyone who doesn’t support the levy is anti-education and anti-kids. They feel that any expenditure of the district should not be questioned. Sadly, there are many districts that justify every expenditure as “for the kids.” Levies are required to provide what the state fails to fund.

The other side feels that the district does not spend taxpayer money as intended. They fully support education but want their money spent on items that relate to the education of their kids. They perceive the district as in a “lifestyle creep.” It is easy to justify wants into “needs.” Ever-increasing salaries and benefits using all state funds takes money away from student needs. Excess staff doesn’t equal better education. Every idea and new program doesn’t make education better. Other districts seem to afford band, choir, sports, etc. with smaller levy requests and better academic results.

Whichever way you vote, don’t equate a “yes” vote as support for kids and a “no” vote as anti-education. Rich people can easily afford rising taxes while others don’t have the financial means for items that don’t directly support student needs.

Jeff Daily

Port Orchard