From now until February, you will be hearing important information about two Ocean Beach School District replacement levies for school years 2025-2029. Levies are a tool for local communities to fund an enriching educational package for every student via athletics, drama, music, arts, as well as technology, facility maintenance, and staffing; mandated requirements not paid for by the state. A levy is what puts the “public” in our public schools, giving every child in the community equal access to a wide scope of learning opportunities.

Let us tell you about some of our unsung heroes at OBSD who rely on the levies! There is Dan, the animated and cheerful head of IT, who runs the technology department, providing Chromebooks to students and staff, and administering the complex networks, equipment, and cybersecurity for the district. For our students to succeed in 21st century society, they will need a solid foundation in computer technology, which Dan and his heroic team make happen every day. The technology levy is what will allow this essential work to continue.

Another group of mighty heroes are Chris and his heart-driven team of maintenance professionals. Many of us have distinct memories of the ever-present janitor in our school hallways, tirelessly working night and day to clean up messes, repair broken items, and restore that shiny fresh glow to the classrooms. Do you recall how they also had this uncanny way of imparting a quiet wisdom with their steady presence? Well, today’s maintenance and custodial crew brings forth that same caring, watchful ethos every day. They often work 80+ hours a week, keeping our students and staff safe, keeping things in working order, advising administration on physical plant needs, and even mentoring students who need that extra bit of one-on-one encouragement. This team depends on the EPO levy funding to make all this happen.

And lastly, but certainly not least, are the courageous heroes in the classrooms you know well — our teachers, principals, para-educators, secretaries, coaches, food servers and all staff who labor to educate and develop their beloved students. These special people from our community are counting on all of us for continued support.

Please join us in voting yes Feb. 13 for the school levies. Your vote will be a resounding yes to providing our kids real-life heroes whom they can admire now and aspire to someday become.

ANNIE and ALLEN SNYDER

Ocean Park