Editor,

Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and for families like mine, the Oak Harbor School District’s special education programs have made all the difference.

Over the past four years we have watched our child grow, develop and succeed. We have searched far and wide and have yet to find a district with comparable services. We knew that it was in the best interest of our child to keep them in this school district for as long as possible. As a Navy family, staying at your current duty station is not always easy. We believe so strongly in the quality of education and teachers here that my spouse signed up for three consecutive sea tours. This allowed us to keep our family in Oak Harbor and our child in the district special education program. I believe that my child will grow to be a happy, confident, contributing member of society because of the strong foundation that was built here in Oak Harbor.

Maintaining these life-changing programs isn’t guaranteed. Levy funding is absolutely essential to sustaining the resources, teachers and paraeducators who make this work possible. Washington state funding simply does not cover what our district requires for its large population of children with a wide range of disabilities. It is imperative that we continue to provide children with disabilities in our community the individualized education that they need and deserve. By voting yes on the upcoming levy, you are investing in the success of all children, especially those with disabilities.

Allie Hanford

Oak Harbor