I am writing to endorse the two Federal Way Public Schools levies on the Feb. 14 ballot.

The EP&O levy simply replaces the levy taxpayers are currently funding. Supporting this levy will help us keep a large number of classroom staff in place — especially teachers. With our valid concerns about deeper cuts to education at the state level, this is one funding source that takes Federal Way taxes and puts them directly into Federal Way schools — nothing diverted or sent elsewhere.

The construction levy will rebuild Federal Way High School and repair/refurbish elementary playgrounds. By running this as a levy (not a bond), the district saves us $29 million in interest — like paying cash for your house instead of taking out a mortgage. The high school was built in 1929 for younger students, and has been pieced together over decades. It’s on the brink of major system failures, which will cost more over time than a new building. Many of the playgrounds waiting for repair are in the same state — some are unusable. The longer we wait to rebuild, the more expensive it becomes.

The construction levy must be approved before detailed planning can happen (that is part of the cost and thus is part of what voters are approving).

When that level of planning begins, there will be many opportunities for public input and involvement — just like there was for past construction projects like Lakota Middle School and Sunnycrest Elementary.

First, we must vote! I will be voting “yes” on both levies, and I encourage my Federal Way neighbors to do the same.

Please take five minutes to vote and mail your ballot. It will have a direct impact on our kids.

Amye Bronson-Doherty, Federal Way