Editor,

I’m writing in support of Josephine Moccia’s Sound Off article in the Sept. 23 issue. As a parent of two kids at South Whidbey Elementary School, I couldn’t agree more that the school district desperately needs additional funds to repair and update the schools.

On the first day of school a few weeks ago, my kids hugged their teachers and principal. They were excited to be back. Yet I saw the building with new eyes. The teachers and administrators are smart, loving, and dedicated, but they’ve been piecing together repairs and renovations on an aging building for far too long.

The elementary school needs a new HVAC system, but can’t afford one. The middle school and high school needs to replace its leaking, dangerous roof, but can’t afford to. Bathrooms and play structures need to be updated to comply with ADA standards so they are accessible to all students. These are not small, trivial repairs — these are repairs that if left unaddressed threaten the health and safety of both students and staff.

The last bond was passed in 1992 — over 30 years ago. This bond will bring buildings up to code for the next 30 years. I know a lot of us wish these things were handled by state or federal funds, but they’re not. We’re not going to be able to untangle the gridlock to make funding education the priority it should be anytime soon.

One thing I love about this island is that the community does not wait for outside solutions — it dreams up the solutions itself. Our schools need help. Kids need us to step up and make sure they have safe spaces to learn and grow. Teachers need safe buildings to work in.

Our neighbors have told us how much they love having a young family on the block again, watching our kids ride bikes and hand out dandelion bouquets. But if South Whidbey is going to attract and retain young families to work and shop and raise families here, we need safe schools for our kids to attend. Families who live here year-round help keep the community vibrant.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to support schools and invest in the future of south Whidbey. I’ll be voting “yes” in support of the school bond.

Katherine Pryor

Clinton