Pastor urges support for Lakeland levy

My name is Jim Putman and I am the senior pastor at Real Life Ministries here in North Idaho. We have campuses in Post Falls, Coeur d'Alene, and in the Spirit Lake area.

Over the years we have sought to build partnerships with all of the school districts in the area via providing food for kids in need, school supplies, partnering to do the graduations for Lakeland in our facilities, etc. Over this time we have built an especially close relationship with the Lakeland school district folks and we have been truly blessed by it.

The leadership in the Lakeland school district has been especially effective and caring during our interactions. I truly believe that good churches and good schools working together can have an amazing impact. This doesn't happen often in America but it has happened here in the Lakeland school district.

Dr. Becky Meyer has built such an amazing team (principals, administrators and teachers) who not only want to educate well, but also care deeply about the well-being of students and their families. As you know our area is growing like crazy and Lakeland school district is dealing with the stretching of its resources. I live in the Lakeland school district and I am blown away by the sheer numbers and need generated by it.

March 9 a school levy vote has been planned, and I want to encourage those who live in this the Lakeland school district to vote for this levy. I know some of you do not have kids in this school district and might feel like it's not your problem. I too no longer have kids in the school district, however, kids being taught by good teachers and cared for by good people has a positive impact on us all. Conversely, to neglect the need also has consequences.

Idaho is a great place to live because we care about what matters most and are willing to sacrifice for the greater good of all. I pray this continues here. If it does, this will remain one of the bright spots in a struggling country.

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Jim Putman is a resident of Rathdrum.