Some of you may recognize my name from the time we were discussing and voting on the $96.15 million bond in April 2022. The bond included new construction, repairs to existing buildings and abandonment of the Ocean Park and Long Beach grade school buildings. I was one of three who drafted the “Vote No” statement for the voters’ pamphlet, and I actively campaigned against the bond. As you may recall, the bond would have raised property taxes for 20 years. It received a 78% “no” vote.

The two levies before the voters this February are totally different for two reasons:

1) They will replace the two levies that expire at the end of this year and will produce nominal increases of your property taxes. Some homeowners may find their tax burden has decreased. If voted in, these levies will expire at the end of 2028.

2) They have nothing to do with construction, repairs, or abandonment of existing buildings.

The tech levy (19 cents per $1,000 property assessment) will pay for student and staff computers, classroom technology, internet links, networking infrastructure, subscriptions and maintenance contracts, telecommunications systems and security. In addition, it pays for the staff with the knowledge to manage this technology. Currently, we have a fabulous director of technology, Dan Kleffner. We don’t want to lose him!

The enrichment levy (also known as an EP&O levy), at 92 cents per $1000 property assessment, will ensure that peninsula’s students continue to grow and learn through involvement in marching band, jazz band, mariachi band, choir, elementary school music, athletics, Knowledge Bowl, robotics, eSports, Associated Student Body, vocational clubs (such as FFA, Skills USA, FBLA) and other activities that enrich students beyond their basic educational requirements. These fabulous, enriching activities require staff, which are funded by this levy.

I strongly urge a “yes” vote on both school levies.

DIANE L. GRUBER

Oysterville