LEVY: Views of a volunteer

For the voters who respond negatively to the upcoming levy, I would like to share some first-hand knowledge.

I have volunteered in one of the grade schools for the last seven years and have witnessed the wide range of readiness in each class each year. With large class sizes it is nearly impossible for one teacher to address all the needs of the individual students. Every year education specialists come into the classroom to assess the needs of students who are struggling to reach grade level. Although worthwhile, specialists’ time and help is limited. The teacher must try to provide the extra support to those students while continuing to cover all the material for that day.

The teachers I work with are doing an excellent job with the number of students in their classes. However, smaller class size would allow the teachers to spend more time with students who need extra help thus improving the achievement of the student.

Our teachers in Idaho teach because they care about the future of our children. They are not teaching because they earn adequate pay for what they do.

Six hours a week of my time is not nearly enough to fill the gap. “YES” for education is the right vote.

CONNIE MONTANYE

Coeur d’Alene