The Coupeville School District needs the continued support of local voters and property owners if it wishes to maintain its excellent educational program. Another levy election is already under way in a mailbox near you. The all-mail balloting continues until election day, Feb. 9, so don’t forget to mail your ballot back before the post office closes that day.

The modest proposal before voters is to continue the $1.08 per thousand of assessed value property tax levy for the district’s maintenance and operations needs. This is the maximum percentage of the total budget allowed by state law, so setting the amount was easy for the Coupeville school board. As state support decreases during the Great Recession, it has been necessary for locals to pick up more of the tab. The state has always failed to fully provide for the “basic education” called for in the Constitution.

The M&O levy will keep buildings maintained and pay for other routine operating costs. Without it, even the new high school would soon fall into disrepair. It’s always less expensive to maintain facilities than it is to go back and repair them or replace them. Levy dollars also fund teachers and support staff that are vital to provide a quality education to students.

Also on the ballot is a technology levy asking for an additional 15 cents per thousand. In the 21st Century, voters have an obligation to see that students have access to modern technology. Without computer skills, you’re unlikely to get a job of any kind, so the better the technology, the more competitive Coupeville students will be in the job market.

A third ballot measure would change how school board members are elected, reducing the number of districts from five to three, and making two positions at-large. This is a worthy proposal aimed at increasing the pool of community-spirited people willing to serve on the school board.

Coupeville School District residents have always supported their beloved schools, which retain their rural flavor even as they modernize. Many kids spend all 12 of their public school years together, and they need an environment in which to flourish.

Even in tough economic times, the schools need the public’s support. So don’t forget to vote yes, yes, yes.