OPINION: Quality schools for all Idaho’s children

This past weekend, for just the second time in 50 years, I attended my high school class reunion.

That wonderful gathering reinforced in my mind two realizations about the importance of primary public education in Idaho.

I was fortunate enough to attend an extraordinarily good high school. Funding was never threatened. Teachers conducted their classes unhampered by zealous parents who sought to restrict what they could teach. As students, we were encouraged to think critically and independently, even when that meant staging a protest — which we did on more than one occasion. The arts and sciences were equally emphasized and we were all encouraged to reach well beyond our wildest dreams.

At the reunion I was among people I had not seen more than once over the past five decades, and with whom I had shared only three years of my life. Several of them I didn't even recognize.

We were of differing political opinions, differing gender identities, and very differing life experiences. But on one issue we were all in agreement. Our school, with its progressive and open minded philosophy of education, its talented and dedicated faculty, and its extended family of students were all of the utmost value to us at the time and throughout our adult lives.

We all wished that every young person, no matter their background or financial condition, could have that same experience and feel as we do about the education we received so long ago.

We are fortunate that Idahoans spoke loudly last year, resulting in Gov. Little pushing forward $330 million in state education funding. We are also fortunate that Kootenai County enacted all three school levies this year.

That points me to the second realization that the reunion reinforced in my mind.

I realized, once again, the crucial need for all of us to keep fighting for equal and unfettered access to good quality public education in Idaho. Every child should be treated equally when it comes to educational opportunities.

If only equal education could be made available.

After the reunion I learned that the full $330 million promised by our elected representatives might not make it into the classrooms where it is so desperately needed.

That sort of uneven and unreliable funding guarantees that some (in fact many) young Idahoans will be shortchanged. Teachers will be laid off and students will be in larger classes and some support staff won’t get hired.

It’s not too late though. If enough of us contact the governor and urge him to take one simple action, he can assure that the promised funds will be there as Idaho’s voters demanded.

So please take a moment right now and sign the following petition asking Gov. Little to do the right thing for Idaho’s school children: https://bit.ly/EducationFundingPetition.

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Evan Koch is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.