By Madie Murray
When I moved to Orcas in 2003 from Southern California, I quickly learned how superior the Orcas public schools were to those in wealthy Orange County and thought, how could this be? Since then, I learned it was because of the deep dedication and conviction of the Orcas Island community, and it urged me to do something I never did in California…get involved.
My involvement in the Farm to Cafeteria/Farm to Classroom programs and the Education Foundation for the past 8 years has helped me to come to a clear and present understanding of what it takes emotionally, financially and physically to maintain the high level of education we have come to expect, and keep it that way. The M & O Levy is a vital thread holding it all together.
You will soon receive your mail-in ballot. The importance of voting YES for the M & O Levy for the public school in February to fill that the gap between what the state funds and waht the bare-bones budget is to run the schools is imperative. It ensures the ability of our school to keep operating. I urge you to please vote YES.
