I am extending an open invitation to the members of our community to visit our schools and see first hand the benefits of the current Maintenance and Operations Levy. You will observe, in addition to the excellence of our academic subjects, a burst of color, creativity and vibrancy which are the results of an exciting and challenging art program.

Thanks to the dynamic and innovative physical education program and hot lunch program, we have students who are developing the experience, information, skills and healthy lifestyle choices that will produce long life benefits. The positive results of these programs compliment and enhance academic learning.

Renewing the levy will continue these important programs. Thanks to population growth, we are asking for less than the last levy; 75 cents, instead of 77-cents-per-$1,000-of-assessed-value.

That 77 cents extends the elementary school day 30 minutes. It continues employment of 20 teachers and provides 13,000 hours of Instructional Assistant support. It continues the hot lunch program, provides art and physical education teachers and helps our children become well-rounded citizens.

Please take time to vote “yes” on the renewal levy March 8.

Vicki Harring

Oak Harbor School Board