Editor,

As a Coupeville resident since 1963 and longstanding supporter of Coupeville Schools, I am proud to endorse Ward Sparacio for Coupeville School Board Position 5.

In addition to his experience, I think it is important that our community know that Ward is not really a newcomer to Island County. His family purchased a summer home here in 1980. His wife is a 1986 South Whidbey High School graduate. They returned to Whidbey Island in 2007. Their children have attended South Whidbey and Coupeville schools.

Business experience is very important as a school board member. Ward worked in both the public and private sectors. His background is mostly in medical technology field. He has experience in financial management, fundraising and business strategy. He has been an CEO, a consultant, and an entrepreneur. He has served as a board member and as the board chairman of the South Whidbey Children’s Center.

Many do not know of Ward’s dedication to the children of Coupeville as he quietly goes about working in the classroom, being a chaperone on field trips and enjoying watching football and other sports with his sons. When they see him tho they say, “Oh, I know him!”

I can assure you Ward is dedicated to the children who attend Coupeville schools. As a former foster parent, he is a proven child advocate. He is also a seasoned business executive with the kind of experience that will add tremendous value to our school district.

You see his signs everywhere. He and his team are out knocking on doors and meeting the people of our community.

I have been told that this race has developed into a mudslinging character assassination attempt by more than one supporter of his opponent. This is not how I expect the members of our community to treat one another and am saddened that a school board race would come to this.

As for me and John, we will be casting our votes for Ward Sparacio. We urge you to do the same.

Benye Weber

Coupeville