Even if you don’t have a child in the Lake Washington School District (LWSD), it’s time to speak up.

LWSD faces another round of multi-million budget cuts in 2010-11. The exact amount will depend on which version of the state budget gets approved. Bottom line, it’s bad news — anywhere from $3.6-8.4 million will have to be cut from the 2010-11 LWSD budget.

Now the million-dollar question is, where will the cuts be made?

LWSD wants your opinion.

LWSD will hold a series of five budget input meetings, starting next Tuesday. There will be two meetings in Redmond: Next Wednesday at Rose Hill Junior High from 4-6 p.m. and Wednesday, March 24 at Redmond High from 7-9 p.m.

Last year, LWSD reached out to the community when it faced budget cuts and it was successful as the community spoke loud and clear: retain the district’s high-quality teachers and avoid increases in class sizes. LWSD responded and avoided teacher layoffs.

This year is different. Everything is on the budget chopping block, including teachers.

At the budget meetings, parents, LWSD staff and community members will receive information on the expected budget and potential options for cuts. Everyone will have the opportunity to fill out and submit a form with their choices. In addition, an online input form will be open from March 16-26 on the LWSD Web site, lwsd.org.

Don’t just wait for this unpopular budget to be released and then complain about it. Speak up and voice your opinion and tell LWSD what you feel are the most important aspects of K-12 public education.

It’s vital we support our local schools because they are the foundation for our future. Even in a steep recession with dwindling revenues, education at all levels needs to remain a top priority. The long-term economic and social health of the state — and nation — depends on developing a well-educated society.