SCHOOLS: Deserve our support

I am a longtime resident of Coeur d’Alene and my daughter is currently attending the third grade at Dalton Elementary. I would like to show my support for the proposed levy and bond that, without raising our taxes, would assist with the much needed modernization and expansion at her school. Both the levy and the bond are equally important to the future of our communities in equal measure. The levy will provide additional funding to ensure that our schools have access to new and innovative educational programs that will enhance the educational experience of our children. The bond will provide the necessary funding to update our school facilities to match the growth of the student body and faculty, which has grown substantially, as more families move into the Coeur d’Alene School District.

I have the utmost respect for the staff at Dalton Elementary, who have been working in cramped conditions at a facility that has far surpassed its capacity. The staff have found creative ways to not let space and facility issues intervene with the student’s day-to-day learning and educational exploration, however this puts limits on the kinds of programs they can offer our children and the time they can devote to new opportunities, as the building can barely support the current programs that are offered. This is not a sustainable model for educational growth and without the community’s approval of additional funding, my fear is that our children’s school experience will creep back into the mediocre, instead of expanding into the great opportunities that will allow their little minds to be engaged and excited when they enter the classroom every morning.

What better investment could we possibly make than the future of our community, which is totally dependent on the educational success of these youngsters? Please show your support and vote to pass this levy and bond.

AMANDA BURRUSS

Coeur d’Alene