This letter comes from a mom new to the Tahoma District. We moved here last June largely based on the reputation of the Tahoma Schools. I have four children, grades kindergarten, seven, nine and preschool. Up until 2010 we homeschooled the older children. I knew when I moved I would be putting the children into public school, and being a homeschooler my standards were very high about the district I would choose.  I moved to the Maple Valley area knowing, from what I had researched and heard from friends, that my children would be in good hands here. I was especially impressed with the array of electives and also the emphasis on teaching the children how to handle today’s technology.

All year I have been impressed with what my children have been learning. They are also excited about their classes for next year. I have gotten to know really good teachers and principals. All the while I have also heard about the crowding at the schools from my children. A couple of months ago I learned why: Tahoma Schools are strained to overflowing with the number of students in attendance.

As I looked further into the bond issue I realized that the good reputation which Tahoma has, which the administrators have worked hard to create and the teachers have maintained under increasingly pressured conditions, is very fragile indeed. If this bond does not pass, the reputation of Tahoma schools may crash along with the educational experience of the children, if class sizes increase, electives are cut to favor additional general education courses, and the school calendar shifts to an all-year schedule to accommodate sheer numbers. This would be a tragic loss for all involved: the children, the teachers, the administrators and our community.

I ask you to open your ballot right now and vote “Yes” on the bond for Tahoma Schools. Let’s send a message of gratitude to our faithful teachers and administrators. Let’s give this excellent district what it needs to stay excellent, to keep the gains and good practices it has developed in the face of huge, unpredicted growth. Only its community can supply this — your vote makes the difference.

Laura Bammer

Covington