Dear Community,
I am lucky enough to have attended Orcas Island Public Schools ever since I was in Pam Jenkins’ kindergarten class. As a senior now, I am thankful for the education and experience that I received from my time in school.
I am very happy to see that the school board has decided to continue pursuing the school bond. Although the changes proposed will not affect me in any way, I feel it is my responsibility to ensure that students, younger than myself, are able to have a positive experience as well.
From a student’s perspective, the school needs a little work. Whether it is the blustering fans down our backs, rundown restrooms, or sports fields that we cannot play on; the condition of the school is a factor in the every day life of all students. Additionally, in a community overflowing with craftsmen it is a shame that the vocational program in the high school is so limited. If the community supports the passing of the new school bond, all schools in the Orcas Island School District will have a better learning environment.
I am in full support of the School Board’s decision to continue pursuing a school bond. The improvements proposed for the school are necessary in order for all students to learn in an environment without distractions. The changes are way overdue and I encourage you all to reconsider the bond this August.
Sincerely,
Lanie Padbury
Orcas Island High School Senior
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Bravo Lanie! Thank you.
Why is it that the public education system needs more and more funds every decade to provide less and less education? Does someone have a truthful, non-emotional answer for this?
I went to a recent Gala (it was a huge party with over 500 community leaders, parents and teachers) for a public high school. By the way, tickets were $50 each. The objective was to raise all this money in support of the school’s band, music, drama, and sports programs, to name a few. I was stunned at the turnout. But, mostly, I was bewildered, because when I was in H.S., we had all the programs mentioned above, but no need for these fundraisers. Our H.S. had an equal number of students, yet had a small fraction of the Administrators. Is it that our schools have become too bureaucratic? What am I missing, here?
Why is a private Christian school from Georgia commenting on our public schools????? I’d like the “truthful, non-emotional” answer to THAT? Here’s how one parent talks about the Cornerstone Christian School in Norcross: “My husband and I were very disappointed in the lack of accreditation with this school. We also felt that the principal lacked leadership with problem children in the classroom. We finally had to pull our child out of this school.”
Right on, Lanie.
Excellent schools are a clear expression of a strong community. This investment in our school system lays the cornerstone for our Island’s future. Those of us on Orcas know we need to step up to the plate and do what needs to be done for our kids. So much is done every day by our teachers, volunteers, staff, and, yes, even administrators that we should be willing to do our part as community members.
And I’m sure our school would accept any financial help offered by interested parties from off-island as well.