For years, the greater Port Angeles area has enjoyed a wonderful school system that has exceeded the state norms in multiple areas such as the number of high school graduates, number of students in extracurricular activities such as sports, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and music.
In these activities, our students learn citizenship and teamwork to accomplish common goals.
These are characteristics that will serve them and our country for life.
What I like about this Feb. 14 Port Angeles School District levy is that it is a replacement levy.
No new taxes will be added, and it will help our school system maintain the efficient classroom practices and programs that are currently in place.
Nearly one-quarter of our school district funding is derived from this levy — 22 percent, to be exact.
Without approval, our schools will not be able to provide the same level of education, activities and basic educational services that we expect locally.
The leadership of our school board and our school district staff has worked diligently over the past several years side by side with parents to maintain excellence within our schools, and they should be commended for their leadership.
Now it is our turn to show them how much their hard work is appreciated.
Please join me in voting yes for the Port Angeles School District educational program and operation levy.
Sam Phillips,
Port Angeles
EDITOR’S NOTE: Phillips is fire chief of Clallam County Fire District No. 2.