My name is Tori Nelson and I am in my 11th year as an educator at Winlock Miller Elementary School. I am asking the citizens of Winlock and patrons of Winlock School District 232 to please support the upcoming levy.
Our district is growing, especially at the elementary school. More students result in more needs. Our schools need more space, more staffing, more materials, and more arts and elective classes to name a few.
Our district must continue to upkeep and maintain and repair our middle/high school, elementary school, district office, Winolequa Learning Center, lawns, sidewalks, parking lots, and athletic complexes. State funding for these needs is very limited.
The levy has been continually supported by the residents of Winlock. This particular one is a replacement levy. The good news is that it is actually less expensive than the previous levy. This money coming from patrons will help fund many of our district’s needs that state funding doesn’t cover.
I feel as though the accomplishments of students and even staff have been wildly understated or overlooked.
Did you know we have a senior who has an interview with and hopes of attending Harvard University? Winlock has an outstanding music program fully run by Karl Scarborough. Our athletic programs are on the rise. We have teachers who have earned professional and national certifications.
I do not live in Winlock, but I do choose to work here. By doing so, I have a responsibility to make education a priority for all of the needs in our district. I want to be progressive, to have pride in our schools and their accomplishments, and make them inviting to businesses and others looking to settle here; showing that this is an educational friendly and supportive place.
As a proud teacher of Winlock, I recognize the district has been very good to me. My wife and I have both been welcomed with open arms.
We hope to have our future children attend schools in this district. We would like to ensure that the education that is taking places continues to improve for all children.
I am encouraged by our district and our schools and want to be forward looking. I want our district to be an example of good that is reflected to all who live here and work here as well as to those who visit this area.
I urge all to have your questions answered with facts. Contact a board member, ask for financial information, ask questions of the superintendent, attend a board meeting, and be an informed voter.
There is a lot of misrepresentation. Don’t listen to my reasons or anyone else’s, find out for yourself.
Tori Nelson
Winlock Miller Elementary School
Fourth grade teacher
