You own property in one of the school districts in East Jefferson County. As a result, you got a ballot and information pamphlet last week about the proposed “Educational Programs and Operations Levies” supporting the schools in Jefferson County.

The information pamphlet for the Chimacum School District states “This proposition authorizes the District to Levy the following excess taxes, to replace an expiring levy, on all taxable property within the District.” The approximate rate would be $0.66/$1,000 of assessed value. Of particular note to me is the fact that it replaces an existing and expiring levy. The deadline to vote is next week on Feb. 11.

A recent discussion with new Chimacum Elementary School principal Katie Bensch is reminder of what we are buying with these taxes. She came to Chimacum with extensive teaching experience, mostly on Bainbridge Island. She confesses to identifying Chimacum as an attractive career opportunity while driving by several years ago. She had noticed the campus appeared to be self-contained, except for the primary school next to the library. When the elementary school principal position came open, she applied.

Katie talked with me extensively about the role of the school in the community stating that “the community is the school.” The school population reflects the community’s population. The Chimacum School District exemplifies that as the campus is used by many local folks for a variety of purposes. A particularly nice surprise, she said, was the size of the annual Craft Fair in early December. Folks from Whidbey to Kitsap to Port Angeles come to the fair to sell their wares and/or buy something for the holidays. I know BJ loads up on “Lopez Larry” products for our culinary inclined children.

The fair takes place in the common area, the gym, and any corners not otherwise occupied. The Rotary Club works with the high school Interact Club selling pictures with Santa. (A special recognition is due to Chuck Boggs and Pete Leenhouts for their Santa-costumed support.)

The Chimacum campus also hosts concerts by the Port Townsend Symphony four times per year. The next one is set for Sunday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. In addition, there are recreational activities such as basketball leagues always using the facilities.

I am told the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office uses some of the school’s spaces for training. (I suspect the short, very slow driving experience I provided my grandson in the deserted parking lot does not really apply here.)

Katie talked further about John Dewey and his notion that the school “must be a genuine form of active community life, instead of a place set in apart in which to learn lessons.” It seems clear the Chimacum School District is working to become the community he envisioned.

Another taxing issue is the annual preparation of your own income tax.

Again this year IRS-certified TAX-AIDE volunteers are available to provide free tax return preparation and e-filing service for low-and-middle-income taxpayers of all ages. The service started this week in Port Townsend at the community center by calling 360-302-2056. In addition, the service is available at the Tri-Area Community Center in Chimacum also by making an appointment at 360-504-8882. The Quilcene Community Center also has the service by calling 360-302-2340. Call early for your appointment.

Here’s a thought for the week from comic strip artist Bill Watterson. “It is hard to be religious when certain people are never incinerated by bolts of lightning.”

Love a curmudgeon and have a great week!