What makes a school district so important to the many communities it serves? Perhaps nothing so much as it develops and builds character in the people who eventually go through the district as youth, then eventually return home to become vital parts of the communities in which they work, live and raise their own families.

The East Holmes School District’s 3.82 mil levy for a period of five years to further pay for emergency requirements as needed in the school district will be on the Nov. 8 ballot. It is imperative to see how the district’s educational efforts, and the tax money which is provided to help meet educational needs, plays an important role in the continued success of Holmes County.

Over the next few weeks in The Holmes County Journal and The Bargain Hunter, we will see how East Holmes School District has played a vital role in the lives of some of its former students, who continue call Holmes County their home.

When it comes to knowledge of the East Holmes School District, both Keith and Tracie Mullet understand exactly what is to be gained by a great education.

Keith, a local businessman who attended Berlin Elementary, and Tracie, who is a part-time bookkeeper who attended Winesburg Elementary, met at Hiland High School, from where they both graduated. They now have children coming up through the school system, and feel that supporting the school through the upcoming levy is a very important part of providing today’s youth with the same golden opportunity they had.

Both had a tremendous experience in school, and attribute much of that to a staff that cares about the youth they are teaching.

“Our teachers really care,” said Tracie. “They care about our kids and about their futures. That is an invaluable asset to any school and community.”

The Mullets believe that part of creating a quality learning environment for the students of East Holmes is maintaining quality buildings, which is why they support the upcoming levy.

Part of the reason they feel that this is such an important part of the school district is because it helps to bring in top-notch educators.

“I believe in a good education, and we want our schools to be attractive to good teachers,” said Keith. “We also need good support staff, as well as enough room in our buildings, and everything needs to be kept up-to-date.”

Tracie said that in her eyes, East Holmes Schools go above and beyond what is asked in order to create a fundamental learning experience for the children that goes beyond just teaching the basics. And with the role of education in East Holmes so culturally diversified between the English and Amish, she believes that the district has done an amazing job in creating a learning opportunity in which both cultures can thrive.

“All three votes in our household will be voting to pass the levy,” said Tracie. “God willing, our community will pull through to support our school system and ultimately our children. Our school district goes above and beyond in terms of the role of supporting such a culturally diverse student body.”