My family and I have lived in Federal Way for over 20 years. I have taught at Sherwood Forest Elementary since moving here in 1995. Before he passed, my husband, Tom Capp, was a principal at three elementary schools here in Federal Way. My three children, Logan, Adam and Laura, attended Federal Way schools for their whole K-12 education.

One thing I know about our Federal Way community is that we know how to take care of our students. In fact, to take care of our kids, since 1980 we have approved every school levy. School levies are for learning and fund security, teachers, nurses, bus drivers and other caring support staff.

I personally know many of the 300 dedicated staff members who are funded by this levy and serve across the district. Many of them are our neighbors who live here in Federal Way and whose students attend our schools.

This levy appears as Proposition 1 on the Feb. 13 ballot. In 2019, it decreases our tax rate from $3.58 per $1,000 assessed value to $1.50 per $1,000. Yes, this is a decrease in our taxes.

My personal family, my work family and the 28 fifth-graders I teach each day at Sherwood Forest appreciate your continued support of the work we all do. Honk and wave when you see us with our yellow signs, and please join us and vote yes for our levy.

Karen Capp, Sherwood Forest Elementary fifth-grade teacher