Are the school levies worth the money? In some aspects they may be, in some others maybe not. The first levy is important because it pays for 20 teachers, teacher assistants and support staff, such as computer technicians, maintenance and custodial services. If the levy does not pass, those 20 teachers will lose their jobs, and 25 teacher assistants will be cut. There is also the possibility of closing the library for a few days a week. Elementary schools will lose their gym and art classes. Therefore, we need the first levy to maintain the quality of schooling we have now.

The second levy for math is not as important, but still helpful. It will bring in more math teachers, but I do not believe that is the problem. I hear many students complaining about not understanding math, due to lack of motivation in their teacher. One positive in passing the math levy is that it will provide new technology in the schools, which Oak Harbor is lacking. The math levy will also bring in 10 math specialists who would teach the current math teachers how to do their job better, but that doesn’t help the main problem of motivating the teachers.

So vote for the first levy, but be suspicious about the second one.

Ethan Matthews

Oak Harbo