LEVY: Don't let kids down

Next Tuesday, March 12, the people of Coeur d’Alene have a major opportunity to support the schools of our area and all of the bright young minds being taught at those schools. We are voting on a levy that will have a drastic impact on the youngest, most vulnerable portion of our population. They cannot vote yes for themselves, so it is our job to do it instead.

The upcoming levy constitutes nearly a quarter of the operational budget for our community’s schools. Of course no one wishes this was the case. But until our state Legislature steps up and makes education a priority, it is up to us — you, me, our neighbors, our friends — to stand up for our children and help provide them with the education they deserve. This levy will fund instruction, health and safety, facility maintenance, and art and music programs, among other things. These funds are absolutely crucial to the proper functioning of our schools and in turn, the proper education of our children.

It doesn’t matter if you have kids in the school system or not. This isn’t just about the kids; it’s about the continuing health and prosperity of our community. If we let our kids down, we’re letting ourselves down. Our entire community will suffer and we will have no one to blame but ourselves.

Please vote yes next Tuesday for the future of our children and our community.

RACHEL RIGGS

Coeur d’Alene