CDA SCHOOL LEVIES: Vote yes

Thank you Jody Hiltenbrand for a letter that was both heartfelt and truthful. I taught U.S. history in the Coeur d’Alene School District for 20 years and wish to underscore a couple of Ms. Hiltenbrand’s “known truths.”

First Truth: Education was a second career for me and I loved being a teacher and would choose to do it again, but I truthfully never worked so hard in my life. Teaching is a 24/7 commitment, not only because of the obvious preparation it involves, but because we deal with real students who have complicated lives. The support given by Coeur d’Alene educators doesn’t reflect in the reported metrics of success.

Second Truth: CRT — it’s not a thing I ever heard of let alone taught, so, please stop believing/repeating this lie.

Third Truth: Teachers and support staff are overwhelmed. The work is demanding and seemingly never-ending. Due to a variety of factors, many positions are going unfilled — one teacher told me recently that she helps serve lunch as there isn’t enough kitchen staff to make this happen on a daily basis. Without any “fanfare or loud appreciation,” she gives up valuable prep time (her lunch) to make it all work.

Final Truth: This levy will support safety and security in schools — obviously a need with recent threats to schools across the nation. The bottom line is that teachers and school staff deserve our financial and moral support. Please vote Yes for Coeur d’Alene Schools — this 70-something retiree is on board to do just that!

ROBIN PALMER

Coeur d’Alene