SCHOOL LEVIES: Protect our children, our future

Why are school levies important in Kootenai County (KC)?

• The Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Lakeland School Districts all serve student populations where approximately 50% of the families qualify for free/reduced meals, which means their family incomes fall beneath the federal poverty level.

• Quality schools are the “Great Equalizer,” leveling the playing field of life for all of our children. We all know students raised near poverty levels, who have risen to great heights of lifetime personal and public achievements.

• EVERY child deserves their shot at a successful life.

• This student population represents 100% of our future as a KC community.

• Every KC job sector relies on a well-educated workforce.

• As a fixed income, 77-year-old retiree, investing in my local school levy is one of my most important investments for a secure future.

• Finally, strong schools are not a partisan political question. Right, Left, Conservative, Liberal — these are not labels that should influence the quality of our schools. Let’s all bury our political hatchets long enough to support our most precious resource, our kids.

HARRY and SANDY AMEND

Kootenai County