Our community has an important opportunity to support our youth on Feb. 11, when the Port Townsend School District renewal levies will appear on the ballot.

Proposition 1 renews our contribution to continue supporting critical programs like the library, art, drama, music, and athletics. Our innovative Maritime Discovery Schools curriculum enriches place-based learning with hands-on, real life experiences in the maritime industries and in learning about the marine environment that surrounds us. The district uses levy funds to support student health and wellbeing with vibrant farm-to-school gardens that teach about growing food and how it is used in school meals. Special education, pre-Kindergarten, and multi-language programs are also critical to making our schools inclusive and supportive of all students.

Proposition 2 renews our tax contributions for ongoing projects to  keep our school buildings safe and up to code. We have aging school buildings on the high school campus, well, one that is older than any of us, in need of care that requires funding.

I deeply appreciate our community for its continued support of our schools. We know the value of an education in preparing our youth for their bright futures. As a lifelong educator and former school board member, I have been deeply involved in our schools in the 30 years I’ve lived in Port Townsend. I know how difficult it is to provide basic education along with the wide variety of exemplary programs we enjoy in our local schools today. 

I am asking all voters to vote yes on Propositions 1 and 2. I have always voted for our levies even though I have never had children in our schools. However, I do know firsthand how hard our district works to nurture and educate our youth. I believe we all know the value of an education and that it takes a village to raise a child. Please be part of that village.

Laura Tucker

Port Townsend