I write this letter in support of the proposed levy that is going to create funding for Federal Way School District technology.

With respect to Charlie Hoff and the Committee to Improve Our Schools, I would counter by saying that equipping students with the correct tools to succeed includes computer literacy in the 21st century. Given today’s technological environment, particularly in Washington state, computer literacy has evolved to something that has become a part of basic education. I believe that it is to great detriment that our students are deprived of the technological advancements that play such a vital role in our society today.

In a recent article in the Federal Way Mirror, Mr. Hoff stated that he can’t “find any place where computers are improving education,” and that they have “become a distraction.” Are we really that out of touch with reality that the solution is to remove computers all together because according to Mr. Hoff, they are simply a distraction and have no educational value?

We live in an era where the entire planet is operated by computers. We have made incredible strides in technology. Computers are not only the way of the future, but they are the way of the present. Sure, there are concerns in our education system, but the answer isn’t to go back to ancient typewriters, cassette tapes and laserdisc players.

I have to agree with Superintendent Tom Murphy by reiterating that failure is not an option. We simply cannot set our students back into the Stone Age in comparison with their peers from other districts in ways of technology by not funding this levy. All means all. Vote yes on Feb. 9.

Paul Kalchik, Federal Way