Supporters of the Oak Harbor School District are showing a streak of optimism in proposing two levies for the March 10 ballot.

In raw numbers, the resulting tax increase will be a big one, from the present 51 cents per thousand of assessed value to 98 cents if both levies pass.

The first levy for 74 cents is to continue existing programs and fill in for some rather drastic cuts made previously, particularly in the area of support staff. The second levy for 26 cents is to boost the math program districtwide.

The school board approved the proposals knowing full well that these are dire economic times. There is no need to repeat the litany of financial problems facing our nation, our state and our community. Suffice it to say that times are tougher than they have been in decades.

A more timid school board might have presented voters with a lesser tax package, to the detriment of our school system. This board rightly sees its paramount duty as maintaining today’s quality of education and, by offering the second levy, even improving it in the face of hard times.

School board members made the right decision in not allowing an educational setback on their watch.

The argument that education is more important than ever in difficult times is a sound one. Our kids need to hone their basic skills and be ready to enter the exceedingly competitive job market when they leave high school. For those going on to college, they need tough college prep courses to have a fighting chance to gain admission. Colleges are limiting the number of new students they accept due to their own severe budget problems; competition for the spaces available will be fierce. Students from communities that strongly support education will have a decided advantage.

Oak Harbor School District voters will have to search their souls before casting their ballots March 10. Hopefully, our economic outlook will improve before then, perhaps sparked by a sense of optimism trickling down from President Barack Obama.

Even if voters decide they can’t afford to say yes to one or both levy offerings, the school board will know it did the right thing in giving them the choice to maintain and improve our local schools. If the decision is no, it’s back to the cutting board.