Being a responsible community member means investing in future generations. And there is no better way to do that than by investing in our local schools.

Our students are excelling and their achievements are real, thanks to dedicated teachers, a caring community, involved parents and incredible kids.

Just look at the football team’s accomplishments despite the challenges imposed by their playing field; the same with our national champion cheerleading squad, and virtually every other extracurricular activity from nationally ranked (number 7) NJROTC to the Culinary Arts Team (first in the state).

But as important as extracurricular activities are, academics are the reason for our schools.

Although we fund our schools at far less than state averages, our young people continue to perform and excel. We learn of more accomplishments every day: a “Blue Ribbon Award” by Expansion Magazine (the Oak Harbor schools are in the top third in the country), regional leaders in graduation rates, WASL scores, and countless academic club awards. It’s an impressive list of achievements.

Our community’s young people are making us proud. Their determination in the face of inadequate resources and facilities is admirable.

But their ability to overcome these obstacles should not become our excuse to ignore them.

Our students are excelling, but they need our support. Let’s continue our tradition of strong schools by supporting the remodel of Oak Harbor High School.

Dave Johnson

Oak Harbor