Letter to the Editor: Ghazel Provides Solid School Board Leadership

I am writing in support of Tony Ghazel for re-election to the Orcas Island School District Board. Tony has served with great effectiveness on the Board for 9 years. During that time he has been a solid voice of reason on both financial issues and curricular strategy. He has helped lead the district through challenging financial times to a solid and bright future. Under his leadership, our schools regularly receive distinctions as exceptional educational programs. We graduate knowledgeable young adults who can succeed and compete in this complex world. While those achievements are primarily a function of parental support and guidance and quality teachers and staff, it is also a function of solid Board leadership. Tony has consistently made that contribution to the success of our schools and our students.

In a time of great concern about balancing what public entities would like to do and what the public believes it can support financially, Tony has been exceptionally reasonable and fiscally responsible while being firmly committed to our students receiving a quality educational experience.

On a more personal side, Tony is always accessible. He listens openly and considers all perspectives. It is very clear to me that his primary goal when considering specific issues and decisions is to ensure that our students will benefit from the outcome.

Tony has the wisdom of understanding the complexities of the local, state and Federal systems of public education. As an expert technology consultant, he well understands the need for creativity, innovation, change and continuous improvement of what the District does and how it does it. As a parent of three OISD graduates, he has been directly involved in many aspects of the schools’ offerings in the classroom, in sports and in extracurricular activities.

I enthusiastically recommend Tony Ghazel for re-election to our School Board.

Art Lange