Above and beyond

I recently relocated to Sequim after retiring from the Army. I have a daughter attending school at Helen Haller Elementary (HHE). When I first toured the school I was less than impressed with the appearance of building. I was accustomed to newer, more modern facades.

However, I soon changed my opinion as I got to know my child’s educators: Mrs. Nash, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Mooney, and Mrs. Burr. These teachers have wholly invested in our next generation as each and every educator I have interacted with in this district has.

When my mother died I was unable to find a grief therapist for my daughter in this community as there is a severe shortage of therapists, especially therapists for children. I told my daughter’s teacher and she spoke with the school counselor, Ms. Jennifer Saul, about our situation. The counselor established a weekly grief group therapy for kids who have suffered loss. This therapy was life changing for my daughter and my family.

This anecdote is just one of many that represent the quality of the education here. These amazing educators go above and beyond what their paychecks might dictate. But this commitment to excellence is not apparent when touring the schools. I am fortunate to have found out first-hand just how inaccurate my opinion was regarding HHE. How many others didn’t give our schools a chance ?

Please vote yes for the school levy and bond on February 11. Please invest in our most precious asset: our children.

May Nicholson

Sequim

We must invest in schools

Please support Sequim School District’s operating levy and construction bond on the February 11 ballot.

Levy funds make up more than 15% of the district’s budget, and cover key items such as athletics, music and other activities; special education and other academic programs; and expenses such as insurance and fuel that are not fully paid for by state apportionment.

The bond will allow the district to replace Helen Haller Elementary, which is more than 50 years old, has antiquated electrical, plumbing and drainage systems, and relies on aging portables to house many classes. It will also fund the replacement of several buildings on the Sequim High School campus, which suffers from the same problems.

These buildings have been found to be in poor condition by an independent evaluation, and their “California campus” designs do not meet current safety standards.

New buildings will allow the district to provide the modern programming and classes that parents and students expect and deserve.

When considering a place to live, one of the first things people look at is schools. To attract doctors and other needed professionals, Sequim must invest in schools that our community can be proud of. We have not passed a bond in almost 30 years, and we cannot afford further delay.

Please fill out your ballot and drop it in the box as soon as it arrives. Don’t regret finding it in your pile of mail and realizing that your vote could have made the difference!

Patrice Johnston

Sequim School Board director

Vote ‘yes’ on levy, bond

We are writing to encourage “Yes” votes on the school Levy and Bond on Feb 11. Sequim School System continues to be a valuable community asset. The recent reorganization of the grade schools by grade has now shown to both improve the environment for staff and students and save money.

The Washington State government expects local communities to share funding of local schools. When we do that, we are further rewarded by an additional influx of funds through state incentive programs. This money comes from taxes we already pay but are designated to districts which pass local funding measures. A “no” vote is also a “no” to incentive funding.

Quality public schools ensure a strong sense of community. Each day our future citizens’ social, emotional and academic skills grow. There is nothing more patriotic than supporting our schools.

Steve and Kathy Downer

Sequim

In support of rent caps

One of the hottest topics in Washington is housing, and for good reason. Our homelessness crisis is one of our state’s biggest concerns, and a contributing factor to that concern is our eviction crisis.

This crisis isn’t just a problem for tenants who lose their homes or have to move, it’s also a problem for landlords who lose tenants and have to find new ones. The crux of the problem is a lack of stability.

That’s why I’m hopeful that the legislature will pass HB 1217/SB 5222, a “rent stabilization” bill, that will limit how much landlords can raise rent on existing tenants and prevent excessive fees.

Rapid rent hikes are driving displacement and are a significant cause of homelessness. Studies show that every $100 rent increase leads to at least a 9% increase in homelessness.

No one should have to choose between paying rent and being able to heat their home, buy food and gas, or pay for medication or school supplies. I hope Senator Mike Chapman, Representative Adam Bernbaum, and Representative Steve Tharinger will support HB 1217 and SB 5222 and ensure this vital legislation becomes law this year.

Claire Hart

Sequim

Two main reasons to pass levy, bond

There are two main reasons (plus a plethora of others) that Sequim School District voters should pass the Education Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy and construction bond.

First, since this district hosts a high retirement contingency, we need an abundance of medical services. To attract highly qualified medical professionals and specialists, our community needs an abundance of high quality attractions, especially if those professionals have children. The quality of an education system is a major consideration for professionals. Our schools currently suffer from antiquated facilities and security measures. Maintenance of such often pose complications when trying to fix problems on antiquated systems that no longer have replacement parts. Remodeling costs more than new construction. And there are few security measures in place other than locked doors and fences. We need 21st Century facilities to attract 21st Century professionals.

Second reason to pass both the levy and construction bond is the total taxing rate if passed would be $1.85/$1,000 assessed value, which is less than the previously approved EP&O levy in 2020 which was $1.96. As more home owners have moved into the area, the individual property owner’s taxing rate has dropped to the current rate of $1.29. Our community continues to expand, which means the taxing load will likely continue to drop while our district enrollment continues to climb. With the conclusion of the current EP&O levy, numerous maintenance projects have been completed. Yet our facilities remain antiquated.

If we could afford a higher taxing rate five years ago, we can afford to approve this rate. Please open your ballots today and put them in the mail or drop them at a nearby ballot box.

Carol Lichten

Sequim

Not a one-time investment

Investing in our schools is investing in our community’s future. Generations before us built the foundation we stand on today – funding schools, supporting youth programs, and ensuring every child had a chance to succeed.

Now, it’s our turn. If we invest in anything, shouldn’t it be in young minds? Thriving communities don’t happen by accident; they are built through care, foresight, and a willingness to give back. For ten years, I had the privilege of serving the City of Sequim, through moments of progress and challenge, and I’ve seen how our strength lies in supporting the next generation.

Since moving to Sequim in 2013, I’ve witnessed the urgent need for school improvements. Our aging buildings and underfunded programs hinder students from reaching their full potential. The upcoming bond and levy are not about luxury, they are about safety, opportunity, and ensuring every child has the tools to learn and grow. These measures will replace deteriorating facilities, improve security, and fund essential programs that make schools more than just buildings – they make them places where children thrive.

Some say they’ve already given enough. But education is not a one-time investment; it’s a continuous promise to every child who walks through our school doors. We were all given opportunities by those who came before us. Now it’s our turn. Voting yes is about more than funding schools; it’s about ensuring Sequim remains a place where families want to live, where children are valued, and where we come together for the good of all. Vote yes.

Charisse Deschenes

Sequim

Support students, schools, staff

Greetings Sequim Dungeness Valley: our Sequim School District which stretches from Gardiner to the east to Agnew on the west has a couple Propositions for to consider. Ballots have arrived, and we community members have an opportunity to support our students, our schools, and the staff who instruct our students.

Prop 1, an Operations Program & Operations Levy; it is a renewal levy, it funds all those programs that we as a community decide locally what is important to us. If Arts, Music, SPED, after school reading and math programs, plus athletes is important to us as a community, then please invest in our students and vote Yes.

Prop 2, a Facilities bond, which will replace several aging facilities. Last Facilities bond was over thirty years ago. There comes a time in the maintenance of public education facilities that they cannot be remodeled or upgraded unless the community approves a facilities bond, which our state constitution states is the responsibility of the community of the school district.

We as a community have an opportunity to invest in our schools and our students, which is an investment in our community. I retired from Coast Guard, with a VA disability pension. Sequim is our home; I am making that investment, and voting Approved on Prop 2. Consider joining me, thank you.

Jim Stoffer

Sequim