SCHOOLS: Long-range success

I write this letter in full support of the Coeur d’Alene School District Levy and Bond requests. I would like to preface my support with the background that I have volunteered in the Coeur d’Alene School District for most of 30 years. Those volunteer activities included more than 20 years on the School Board and nearly 20 years as the Board liaison to the District’s Long Range Planning Committee.

Reviewing projects and identifying the greatest needs of the district was inspiring. With the help of people such as Brian Martin, director of maintenance, and the numerous contractors, architects, engineers, principals, teachers, administrators and parents, the Long Range Planning committee consistently brought forth the most cost effective projects compared to their needs. Performing such a comprehensive review is a long and difficult process as the committee constantly balances the needs to the community’s ability to support those projects.

As I reviewed the projects forwarded by the LRP Committee, I recognized several that were discussed as much as 10 years previously. As common sense would indicate, those projects are in a greater need to be completed today than when they were first brought to our attention. And just as with our community, our neighborhoods and our households, we need to adjust to the changes brought about by time. The Coeur d’Alene School District has presented the projects most appropriate to be completed while not raising tax rates.

I commend the LRP Committee and the District Administration for presenting a balanced request for providing the space and needed maintenance for our students across the district.

VERN NEWBY

Hayden Lake