Superintendent’s Message - January 2010

Dr. Gary Plano, Superintendent of Schools

Dear Mercer Island Community,

Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe that we have come to the end of the first decade of the 21st century. Just think of all of the changes in these short ten years – not the least of which is the rapidly changing digital world and our increasing dependence on instant communication. This digital revolution has forever changed the way we look at the world. I thought about this often when I was in China checking my email, staying in contact with my assistant, working wherever and whenever I needed to. Sometimes I look back with some nostalgia on earlier, less connected days. But looking back is not an option. Some of our students may well live into the 22nd century! It is our job to continually work to prepare them for their world, and not ours. I am excited about the possibilities ahead and always grateful for the dedication of our ever-connected community of educators, parents and community members.

As I mentioned last month, our district is again facing significant budget reductions for the 2010-2011 school year. Governor Gregoire released an education budget on December 9th that significantly reduces K-12 education funding. I am projecting that Mercer Island School District will again need to make significant cuts to education as we know it, including the reduction of teaching positions in order to balance the budget.

On February 9th, our school district will have three levy renewal propositions on the ballot. These propositions include: the General Fund Levy, Capital Projects Levy and the Transportation Vehicle Levy. All school districts in the state of Washington, including ours, rely heavily upon local levies to fill the gap between state funding and what is necessary to operate schools and educate our students.

If approved by voters, these three propositions will allow the Mercer Island School District to maintain the high quality programs our parents and community members expect in light of diminished state funding. The community's response to these propositions will significantly affect our children and their future. I hope that you will take time to familiarize yourself with the specifics of all three levies so that you can make an informed decision on these important propositions. More information is available in the current issue of District NEWS and the Levy Fact Sheet. Thank you!