POST FALLS SCHOOL LEVY: Vote yes

State funding doesn’t provide the funds needed to create high-quality education for our students. The school district receives $50,372 per certificated staff member, but it costs the school district $75,500, leaving the district to pay the difference of almost $3 million from local levy dollars. This means that state funds equate to $11.90 per hour; less than what fast food workers make. The same is true for principals, assistant principals, nurses, custodians, office staff and bus drivers. The state funds a fraction of what real costs to the district are.

In addition, there are many programs the state does not fund. Local dollars pay more than $17 million to provide athletic and extracurricular activities, textbooks, nurses classroom, library materials, maintenance and technology which would be cut if the levy does not pass. The reality is the state does not fully fund education. If we want our children to have access to a high-quality education, taught by highly trained professionals in a safe environment that will prepare them to become contributing members of society, we must do our part.

Public schools must prepare all our students to compete for jobs in a changing work environment. The jobs and careers we’re preparing children for require a higher level of skills, training and education than ever before. The school district can’t fulfill their responsibilities without the support of local taxpayers. Choose high quality schools for our children. Vote YES on March 14.

DIANA PRATT

Post Falls