Editor,

As proud parents of two daughters in Oak Harbor Public Schools, we are writing to express our support for the upcoming school district levy and to encourage our community to vote “yes”! We have two daughters that are student athletes, one at North Whidbey Middle School and one at Oak Harbor High School. Our daughters have expressed how sports have enriched their school experience. We are grateful that sports have contributed to our daughter’s both receiving a well-rounded education.

The importance of levy dollars cannot be understated. The continuation of this replacement levy ensures our district can prioritize academic success and offer access to high-quality sports experiences and extra-curriculars. Our daughters have thrived under the guidance of talented, dedicated middle and high school coaches who not only teach the fundamentals of the game, but also instill critical life lessons — teamwork, resilience, and leadership. These experiences go far beyond the playing field by fostering wellness, confidence, and personal growth that will serve them for a lifetime.

Together, we can ensure that our district continues to offer the outstanding opportunities that make our schools — and our community — a shining example of what is possible when we work together to support public education.

Gareth and Liz Ritz

Oak Harbor