Update schools
Do facilities really matter in education?
Can we really afford to update our schools?
Is this the right time to move forward with this ambitious plan?
The simple answer is yes on all counts.
By now, you’ve heard all the negative arguments.
Look at any school district in the nation and you’ll hear those same “no” arguments in every community.
Longing for the good old days when a Bunsen burner was sufficient to conduct a science experiment is willfully denying our students their opportunity and ability to compete in the world.
Ignoring the very real concern of earthquake readiness is dangerous for our entire community.
The Port Angeles School District is proposing a steady 30-year plan that will keep taxes at an even level.
I understand people don’t love paying taxes, but I also know they don’t love having our students at a disadvantage or living in a community that can’t attract new, young families and businesses.
The cost of waiting is not acceptable.
Our community will fall further behind, our students will become less competitive in this ever-changing world, and our citizenry will suffer when there are fewer professionals to care for us.
There is no magic bullet.
Those opposed are unwilling to contribute to the effort under all circumstances.
They will obfuscate by calling out buzz-words like “modular” and “poor- maintenance” and “wasteful spending”.
Don’t believe it.
The true question is, “if not now, when?”
Their answer is never.
Mine is: let’s go.
Sarah Methner
Port Angeles