Spence is a tireless servant for schools | LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Published 11:11 am Sunday, October 20, 2013

To the editor:

We support Mike Spence for Bainbridge Island School Board because of his exceptional integrity, strong commitment to the Bainbridge Island schools, and wealth of talent and experience in the legal, business and public service realms.

Mike has served on the school board for four years and been president since 2012. During that time, the school district has demonstrated remarkable fiscal responsibility. The district returned nearly $800,000 to taxpayers on the Bainbridge High School building bond; refinanced debt through federal and state economic stimulus programs, saving taxpayers $12 million; and built the new Wilkes Elementary School within budget and with an environmentally sustainable design.

The district has also implemented innovative programs during Mike’s tenure on the board, including a new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program throughout the schools and a multi-age learning program at Wilkes. Bainbridge Island schools continue to receive state awards and national recognition for their academic excellence. This benefits our children, our property values, and all of us as citizens.

We have known Mike for nearly 10 years and have found him to be an intelligent, egalitarian, and thoughtful person. In our business dealings with Mike, he has always shown the highest integrity and trustworthiness. He leads the school board in an even-handed manner, allowing all opinions to be voiced and working effectively to build consensus within the community.

Mike is a dedicated, tireless and incredibly hard-working public servant who cares about our kids, our schools, and our community. We are fortunate to have people of his caliber serving our schools and looking out for the interest of our children. Please join us in supporting Mike Spence for the school board.

NANCY PLANT AND GEORGE JARECKE

Bainbridge Island