Guest Editorial: Invest in Orcas Schools

— from Eric Webb —

Dear Orcas Island Community,

I would like to take a moment to thank you for your support in the passage of the construction bond and the technology levy for Orcas Island Schools two years ago! The renovations funded by the bond are currently underway and on schedule. Your support of the technology levy in 2012 provided enhanced technology, mobile labs, and network upgrades for our students. Exciting things are happening here at Orcas Island Schools!

In November, you will be asked to vote in favor of a levy that will replace and renew the existing technology levy that will expire this year. Voting in favor of this levy renewal will include many technology upgrades district wide. This levy also allows our district to take advantage of an opportunity to provide required matching funds to leverage a state grant of nearly $500,000 that will provide needed improvements to the aging mechanical systems of the old gym. Finally, this levy will be used for future unanticipated capital needs.

How this levy will impact OISD:
Necessary technology upgrades will provide a safer, more secure campus, the most up-to-date technological tools for our teachers and students, energy-saving enhancements and upgrades in conjunction with an energy grant for the old gym, and ongoing unanticipated capital improvement needs.

How this levy will impact you:
This levy will continue for six years. The first two years of the levy will average a
9¢ /$1000 increase in the combined levy rate. In years three through six, the levy rate will return to current levels. This is a small investment that will improve and further facilitate the education of the children of Orcas Island Public School District and enhance the facilities they learn in!

Thank you for your continuous support of Orcas Island School District and the children of this community!

Eric C. Webb is Superintendent of Orcas Island Public Schools