Why This Levy Vote Matters for Marysville’s Future — A Parent’s Perspective

In Marysville, our schools have always been more than just places to learn. They’re where our kids discover passions, make lifelong friends, and become part of something bigger than themselves.

This spring, as our community faces yet another critical school levy vote, the conversation has become about much more than numbers on a ballot. It’s about what kind of community we want to be — and what opportunities we want to preserve for our children.

Recently, I sat down with Adam, a fellow parent, to talk through the levy and what’s really at stake. His perspective resonated deeply with me, and I think it will with many of you too.

More Than Minimums

During our talk, Adam reminded me that when school districts are forced to do only what’s legally required — the so-called "state minimums" — we don’t just lose programs. We lose experiences.

Extracurricular activities, unified arts, music, drama, sports — these are the things that shape well-rounded, confident, community-minded kids. These are the spaces where kids find belonging. Where they learn to lead, collaborate, and create.

When those opportunities vanish, so does a little bit of what makes our community special.

A Place Worth Staying

Something else Adam said really stuck with me. He reflected on the idea that without strong schools and vibrant opportunities, young families won’t just hesitate to move to Marysville — they may hesitate to stay.

When we talk about schools, we’re not just talking about the students of today. We’re talking about whether our kids — and our grandkids — will want to make this place home tomorrow.

Great schools make great communities. They attract families, boost property values, and create a ripple effect of pride and involvement.

The Hidden Impacts of Cuts

Of course, budget conversations can feel abstract — until they aren’t.

• The student who loses access to choir or band may lose their spark.

• The child who finds purpose behind the scenes in drama club may never get that chance.

• Planning periods and support staff reductions mean teachers burn out faster, impacting every child in the classroom.

• And for many students, the chance to connect with trusted adults outside of academics — coaches, directors, advisors — may quietly disappear.

These are not luxuries. They are lifelines.

It’s About the Kids — and Us

As a real estate professional and lifelong Marysville resident, I hear it all the time: “What is there for kids to do here?”

Without strong schools offering a wide range of activities, the answer becomes… less and less.

Idle time leads nowhere good. But engaged kids become engaged citizens. They become the heartbeat of a thriving town.

Adam said it best: "We need productive things for kids to do." That’s why this matters.

This Is Our Choice

We’re at a crossroads.

• Do we want a bare minimum district that checks boxes and does little more?

• Or do we want to invest in a school system that gives our kids and our community the chance to thrive?

The good news? The choice is ours.

Voting is simple. The impacts are lasting.

Please — if you’re still on the fence — get informed. Ask questions. Have conversations.

And when the time comes, vote for the future of Marysville. Vote for our kids. Vote for our community.

If you need help figuring out how or where to vote, or want more information on the levy, feel free to reach out to me or check out my newsletter, The Good Stuff Marysville. Together, we can make sure the good stuff keeps going strong.