OAK HARBOR: Schools levy renewal has support of staff and families

Luisa Loi reports on the Oak Harbor School District’s levy measure for the Whidbey News-Times.

When Jack Schwab and his family moved from Seattle to Whidbey five years ago, he initially worried the Oak Harbor School District wouldn’t be able to offer his daughter the same high quality education and enrichment opportunities an urban school district would.

Though rural school districts are having a harder time staying afloat amid the current public education crisis, Schwab now believes his daughter is actually getting a better education in Oak Harbor than she would have in Seattle.

A special election on Feb. 11, however, could change a lot.

Schwab, the campaign manager for Citizens for Better Schools, is among parents, district staff members and officials encouraging community members to mark the “yes” box on the proposed levy in the ballot, ensuring Oak Harbor’s youths continue to have access to services and opportunities that are partially funded or unfunded by the state.

On the Ballot in February 2025