LEVY: Reasons to say 'yes'

I am the proud parent of three children, one of whom attended Borah Elementary and is now at Lakes. Another is in third grade at Borah. I would like to thank the Coeur d’Alene taxpayers for generously funding the last bond issue, which included remodeling Borah. It has been such a blessing to have a school that meets the needs of our children. For example, the new gym enables us to hold all-school assemblies and student concerts without breaking fire code capacity limits.

On March 10, the school district is again asking for your support. The upcoming levy will fund additional teachers and textbooks. These are needs, not wants. Currently, our kindergarten classes are at capacity, 25 students. That may sound reasonable for older students, but for 5- to 6-year-olds, many of whom have no preschool experience, that number is insane. And while our teachers do an amazing job, their work is not for the faint of heart. Also, our students are getting ready to be tested on Common Core Standards, yet their textbooks are not written with these in mind. Teachers have had to turn to other resources to prepare students, often using their own money.

Let’s not punish our children and teachers when the real problem lies with our legislatures. Join me March 10 in voting YES for supporting the educational NEEDS of our children.

CHRISTINA HEATER

Coeur d’Alene