The Anacortes School District has shaped my life as a student, parent, teacher, active classroom volunteer and community member representative. As an adult, I am a strong advocate for the schools, viewing them from a variety of perspectives.

The upcoming Replacement Levy election is consequential in sustaining the quality of education in our district. Despite budgetary cuts these past years in the face of inadequate state funding, ASD has made every effort to keep critical programs and services intact. Anacortes serves nearly 2600 students and attempts to give every one of them an equitable voice in achieving their goals, no matter what form they take. Further budget cuts due to a failed levy would be very difficult.

Arts education is a key part of any education. It helps students make relevant connections, build creative and critical thinking skills, boost academic performance, communicate ideas and build confidence. The social-emotional component cannot be overstated-some students find a niche and discover their personal voice through drama, music, visual and graphic arts.

Arts are vitally important to a complete education.

Please join me in enthusiastically voting YES for the upcoming levies.

Sherry Chavers
Anacortes