SCHOOLS: Keep access to learning

Living in North Idaho is a privilege. Community members have great access here. Access to adventure, scenery, work and education. It is important to each community member in Kootenai County that this continues at every level — personally and professionally. This is exactly what the Coeur d’Alene School District’s upcoming bond intends to provide to our community children — quality educational access.

The Idaho Department of Labor reported the Kootenai County population grew 20 percent from 2000 to 2010 in the May 2012 Kootenai Profile (http://labor.idaho.gov/publications/lmi/pubs/KootenaiProfile.pdf). As an area resident living in Kootenai County, to have ultimate access, we need to continue growth. As a member and the president of the Kootenai County Young Professionals (KCYP), this growth is vital to this nonprofit organization’s vision statement, “to attract, connect and retain young professionals in our community.” Our members are locals and new residents looking to make a connection to a growing community while also stepping in to be active, young leaders.

We’ve all heard how important it is to keep our talent local. It is equally important to attract quality people to our area. This enriches each of us personally and professionally. Growth begins at our schools and providing our area children with safe buildings for learning. This is as simple as voting for the continuation of funding for public school buildings. Take the time to be educated on this issue and take action by voting for the bond Aug. 28.

ASHLEY PIASKOWSKI

Coeur d’Alene