LEVY: Loss would hurt students most

District 271 should have the support of this community on March 8. I've read many opinions for and against the levy. However, one fact continually rises to the top: if this levy fails, the students of this community will suffer the greatest loss.

One of the deepest cuts that will occur without the levy is in staffing at schools. This includes positions like crossing guards, special education aides and bus drivers. Having spent time volunteering and as a teachers aide, I've seen the positive contribution these employees make to students and teachers. The reality is, class size already hovers around 25 students. While we can debate the relevance of new buildings and laptops, I find it hard to argue against supporting the people who make learning possible and positive.

"Education is like climbing. It is a big effort. For those who educate and for those who are educated. It is expensive and the result is visible in the long term. It is not possible to climb fast. Those who try to climb fast cannot arrive at the top in good shape. Education is about sustaining effort, about investment and believing that the view on the top is great. Can we decide not to climb? Yes you can. You can try ignorance... but if you think education is expensive, try ignorance."

- Derek Bok, former Harvard President

Our community, our students, and our teachers are worthy of this investment.

Please support the levy.

JILL BUCKLAND

Coeur d Alene