I’ve been a Learning Partner at the Coupeville Schools for four years and I like working with Coupeville’s kids. The staff and teachers are working hard to help them and the Learning Partner volunteers provide that little bit extra for some of the students.

But, sometimes that isn’t enough. The high school building is awful and dangerous. Most of the bathrooms are closed off because they are unusable, drinking fountains are broken and unusable, hallways are cluttered with partially useful elevators that get handicapped people up one flight of stairs and down another, and ceiling tiles fall so frequently from the old gym that they’ve had to install netting that doesn’t always catch the tiles. The list of woes goes way beyond those that I’ve mentioned.

I’m a tax payer in Central Whidbey and while things might be tight for me, they will be much worse if we delay in getting our school replaced.

Studies show over and over again that education is much cheaper than remediation or incarceration. Kids and teachers need a healthy and reliable building in which to work and learn. Teachers and staff need up to date resources to keep the education relevant so those who go on to college can do so with adequate training.

Beyond regular educational uses, community groups and organizations also use the school property for many functions and will benefit when the high school building is replaced.

The school is at the heart of the community, it grows our future and takes care of our present. Vote yes on the Coupeville school bond Issue on May 18. It’s a vote for our beautiful community and a vote for the future of our children.

As a dedicated Learning Partner I hope Central Whidbey voters will join others in the community and me in supporting students, faculty, staff, administration, and the community by passing the bond Issue.

Sarah Richards

Coupeville