Letter to the Editor Inclusion requires investment - vote Yes for the school levy

Shoreline parents are urging community support for a $7. 25 million school levy to address significant funding shortfalls in special education. Since 2020, the district has struggled to cover $132 million in essential services, impacting the quality of education for students with disabilities. Teachers are experiencing burnout as they manage larger caseloads without adequate support, which also detrimentally affects general education students. Jenny Skytta, a parent of a neurodivergent child, highlights the necessity of advocacy and proper support systems for educational success.

The levy aims to retain critical staff and prevent further cuts to services. Advocates stress that inclusion in education cannot be achieved without sufficient investment, training, and resources. If the levy fails, the district may see increased class sizes and diminished services. Community members are encouraged to vote in favor of the levy to support all learners.