Realtors know high quality schools are important in every neighborhood. Good schools are a priority — and not just for parents. Savvy buyers and sellers know that quality schools are a factor in home values.

Seattle King County Realtors recently heard presentations by volunteers from the Lake Washington Citizens Levy Committee, notably realtor Kerri Nielsen, a former teacher. She took time out of her busy day to make the case for students in the Lake Washington School District (LWSD), and to answer questions from brokers.

Realtors understand the importance of supplementing state funding for basic classroom needs, but as homeowners and taxpayers, we are also concerned about the “return on investment.”

I and other residents in the LWSD can be proud of the exemplary record of fiscal management and accountability by district officials.

Equally impressive are student achievements on various college-readiness benchmarks. LWSD is addressing diverse needs with innovative college prep and career-technical curriculum. Teachers and administrators deserve praise not only for their role in these accomplishments, but also for recognizing the importance of helping students meet employability standards.

In addition to endorsing renewal of the Educational Programs and Operation Levy, our members also — by unanimous vote — approved support for the Capital Projects Levy and the bond measure to add classroom space and replace aging facilities.

As one of my colleagues stated, supporting school levies is not a matter of altruism — it’s economics.

I’ll be voting yes three times on the Feb. 11 ballot, and I hope residents district-wide will join me.

Larry Christensen, Kirkland