Taxes: They’re a complicated and tiresome matter, and anyone could agree on that–but whether or not they’re beneficial is certainly a bit more controversial.

This February, a tax levy ballot in Shoreline will be held. Specifically, the Educational Program and Operations Levy (EP&O) and the Capital Levy for Technology. If you didn’t know, a tax levy essentially raises the amount of taxes people pay. Washington State already has a number of them, but this vote is for two replacement levies. While this might initially seem like a hassle, those extra taxes are directed to the school district. Tax money is certainly an important factor in keeping our schools running.

These levies are crucial for the funding of professional development for teachers to improve their skills, and also funding for the school-based support staff. Further, it is important for learning supports, such as programs for multilingual students learning English, and inclusive support services. Many students rely on these factors greatly. The learning aids of our community shouldn’t be something that is overlooked.

That’s not the only thing funded by these taxes. School supplies and utilities are included. Even the projectors and online learning tools that we use every day are supported by this funding. According to information supplied by the Shoreline Public Schools website, the tech levy would fund both maintenance up-keep and replacement of devices for both students and staff. Say goodbye to any hopes you had for upgraded network systems or computers if these propositions don’t pass.

Athletics, performing arts, and extracurriculars where students can build community and connections… believe it or not, they’re all backed in some way by the funding from levies, specifically the EP&O levy.

There are countless aspects of our education and resources that are counting on tax levies to provide a safe and encouraging learning environment: something that every student deserves from their school.

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Editorial Board: Micah Crose, Clara Abernathy, Sydney Eaton, Iris Peters, Sofia Quirin, Georgia Hansen, Hayden Kelly, Desmond Mack, Sasha Ponomarchuk