Letter to the Editor: Ghazel Best Qualified for School Board

Tony Ghazel should be re-elected to the Orcas Island School Board. Mr. Ghazel has served the children and taxpayers of our island with distinction and integrity during the past nine years. Considerable work remains to be accomplished and he is the best qualified to complete these important tasks.

Through his leadership and cooperation Tony has achieved a balanced budget during challenging financial conditions while state funding has eroded. Our schools have a high academic ranking among other schools in our region, the state of Washington and the nation. Orcas high school is ranked in the top ten percent of the nation’s schools. This is a major achievement that demonstrates strong leadership and effective management.

Tony Ghazel has insisted on fiscal controls that have resulted in staffing expenses that are lower than they have been for many years. In addition, administration costs are less than what is required for a district our size.

He has excellent knowledge and ability to work with state legislators who are critical for support and funding of basic education. This goal requires significant investment in personal time.

The 2005-2006 fund balance was $10,000 which was its lowest in many years. For a district the size of Orcas the fund balance should be $400,000 to $500,000. The district started a program to resolve this problem when highly experienced school business professionals were retained. The budget process has improved and the fund balance is now about $300,000.

Tony has demanded that the school system provide flexible programs so the youth can prepare for higher education in the profession or trade of their choice. This objective is a wise investment in the future of our students and our nation.

Mr. Ghazel is the best person to serve the needs and expectations of the taxpayers, students and staff of our school system. He will ensure that money is spent with wisdom and common sense and that our future is positive and productive. I strongly urge you to vote for Tony Ghazel to serve our community, our schools and our students.

Tom Ritter
Orcas Island