LETTER: The needs are clear, cost is modest; vote yes for schools

To Ozaukee Press:

I’m writing this letter in strong support of the upcoming Port Washington-Saukville School District referendum. I applaud School Supt. Michael McMahon and the School Board for coming to us with a bare bones referendum.

No one is happy to have their taxes increased, but to take care of the district’s most pressing needs for a modest bump in the tax levy shows the School Board is listening to the community.

The need to replace Saukville Elementary School and to replace the roof at TJ Middle School is clear and will only cost more if this is delayed.

Saukville Elementary has open concept classrooms that create a loud and disruptive environment making learning difficult and making it nearly impossible to lock down the school in the event of a school shooting. The school is not ADA compliant and is built near a flood plain so that it can’t be expanded. The district is losing students from Saukville due to the conditions in the building.

I urge all community members to vote in favor of this referendum for our children’s education and safety.

Doug McManus

Port Washington