As new residents to Oak Harbor, my husband and I are still learning the local character and demographics.

Recently, an acquaintance emailed a request asking me to visit the Oak Harbor School District Web site (www.ohsd.net), which provides information concerning the upcoming March 10 levies.

I am both a mother and grandmother and consider education to be a fundamental right for all Americans. Children are the workforce and leaders of tomorrow and need to have a broad array of instruction to compete in today’s global economy.

I was both appalled and surprised to realize how little money the OHSD receives in levy dollars to support a student body of 5,150 children. The last levy provided a mere $373 per student, as compared to Coupeville’s $1,914 per student, with only 1,112 children. How is this possible?

Without local funding, each district must reduce costs, which is detrimental to each child educated in this district.

I urge all parents and grandparents to visit the OHSD Web site. The information provided is clear and underscores the need for both levies to pass.

You can bet that for the small increase to my property taxes, I will be voting yes to show my support for the education system in Oak Harbor and the future of our country.

Terry Caton

Oak Harbor