I watched with vested interest the Stanwood-Camano Island School District continuation of the maintenance and operation levy campaign and election. After retiring from a position in the Highline Public Schools, my husband and I moved to Camano Island and I began supervising Western Washington University student teaching interns and volunteering, both of which provided many opportunities to be in our Stanwood-Camano Island public schools.

Without exception, I have witnessed academic skills and the values of respect, kindness and self-discipline being taught by outstanding teachers in exemplary ways in our school district.

When one is retired or does not have a child in our public schools, it can be tempting to excuse our lack of support, but when we allow ourselves to withdraw from our responsibilities this very detrimental toll is exacted on our children.

Our own children are now young adults and have completed their public school educations, but these taxes will help provide an appropriate and effective education for my future grandchildren, the children of my nieces and nephews, the children at our church, the children of the people who clerk in our stores and build our homes or work in any of the other professions in our community and those who live in our neighborhood.

Please join me in voting yes for the Stanwood-Camano Island School District Mainenance and Operation Levy.

Camano Island