For the past several months, I’ve been reading “vote yes” and “vote no” letters regarding the bond measure in this column. I read the “no” letters with genuine puzzlement. Perhaps the writers of these letters are not parents with school-aged children and don’t see the overcrowding issues first-hand? Perhaps they are not homeowners? I honestly don’t know, but I felt compelled to write this letter because I am frustrated with what I perceive as a short-sightedness among those who oppose the current bond measure.

I am aware of people who are deliberately avoiding purchasing homes in Lake Washington School District because there is too much uncertainty over the future of our schools. They’re moving to Northshore School District instead, where the possibility of year-round school or “double-shifting” does not exist. If I didn’t already live here, quite frankly I’d consider doing the same thing. Why move to an area where, at least for two consecutive years of failed bond measures, education doesn’t appear to be a high priority? In other areas — Mercer Island for example — bond measures for school funding pass easily because residents understand that not only are good schools good for our kids, but they’re also good for our property values.

And some of the arguments that are being made in opposition to the bond measure, while perhaps valid points, do not appear to be worthy arguments for wholesale opposition. For example, is the lack of a full-time facilities manager really so egregious that we would reject the entire measure on that basis?

Please vote for our kids and support Proposition 1.

Annette Rohr

Redmond