SCHOOL LEVIES: Vote yes

There is a lot of noise surrounding public education these days, and a lot of people far removed from our schools are throwing around words such as “critical race theory” and “indoctrination” and “social emotional learning.” It can be hard to differentiate between what’s real and what’s fiction. And as we head to the polls on March 14 to vote on two Coeur d’Alene Public Schools levies, here’s what’s real.

A healthy community is reliant on a good school system for many reasons. Good schools mean a good quality of life.

It means businesses will have employees with the right skills to get any job done. Good schools bring new businesses to town, and make it easier for the hospital to attract new doctors and nurses.

Without a strong public education system, levels of inequity are bound to deepen, helping fray the fabric of our community.

As a taxpayer, I know it’s not always enjoyable to receive my tax bill each year. But to me, that payment is an investment in my city, one that will pay endless dividends. Not supporting schools, and not helping to ensure a good future for our community’s children, is simply not an option.

Please vote yes on both levies March 14.

BEN (RANDY) and SANDIE ROLPHE

Hayden