I am writing to support the Camas School District bond scheduled for the Feb. 9 ballot.
As a third-generation Camas alum and fourth-generation Camasonian, this community holds a special place in my heart. My husband and I moved our young family back to Camas a few years ago so that we could plant our roots in the very place that made me.
My various volunteer roles that I have taken on with the Camas School District have confirmed my support for our schools. I see an administration who makes a priority to partner with not only its staff, students and parents, but with the city and community members as well. I see teachers who care about their students outside of the classroom. I see students who are taught lessons beyond reading, writing and arithmetic.
But it doesn’t stop here. There is always room for improvement. The district has its work cut out as it embraces the continuing growth of this community. This bond is part of a well-thought, comprehensive plan to not only keep up with the growth, but to stay ahead of the curve as much as possible. This bond will build facilities where students need and want to learn. This bond will create an environment where teachers want to devote their careers. This bond will establish programs where the community can congregate.
The bond comes at a price, however. The number one criticism I hear is that our local taxes are too high. But, this is how I see it. According to projected bond costs, a home owner with an assessed home value of $300,000 would pay an estimated increase of $12 per month to current tax rates. What do you do with $12 each month? Is it worth packing your lunch one day? Is it worth buying something on sale over the standard price? Is it worth planning several errands at a time to save gas?
Camas, there’s no other place I’d rather be, and there’s no other place that I want to invest my money. I know where I want to spend my $12. Do you?
Join me in voting “yes” for Camas schools.
Heidi Buhman-McNeley, Camas