Vote ‘yes’ for strong familiesAustin is our hometown. It’s the town where we have lived the majority of our lives and raised our three children. We are encouraging our neighbors, friends, co-workers, colleagues, and fellow Austinites to vote “yes” on the special election ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Austin Public Schools needs our community’s support to keep our schools strong.

We’ve read the information from the school district, and understand that voting “yes” will still result in lower school taxes. Generations of Austin children and youth, including our children, have benefitted from the dedication, commitment, talent, and hard work of the faculty, staff and administration of Austin Public Schools.

Education is the foundation for strong families, and strong communities. The biggest hope we have for a positive future, a future that embodies the strength of unity and diversity, is investing in an education that shows our children that they matter, and that helps them achieve their goals.

Your vote is essential to continue the funding needed to support our current and future students, and an essential step in investing in the future of Austin.

Every vote will count in this election, because the only issue on the ballot is the school levy referendum. There is state funding set aside that will provide 60 percent of the funds needed for the referendum. The only way to unlock those funds is for Austin residents to approve the referendum on Nov. 5.

By saying yes to the referendum, Austin can be assured that its historic excellence in education will continue into the future. Vote “yes” and be part of Austin’s future.

Bruce and Danielle Heiny,

Austin