CDA SCHOOL LEVY: Vote yes

As we get closer to the most ominous day in our school district since I moved here in 1971, I’m reflecting on my decision not to become a school teacher.

I’d worked with kids in my early college days as a youth counselor at camps and loved it. I thought surely I would find myself as a late elementary school or middle school teacher.

As I worked on my graduate degree in Pasadena, Calif., I decided to fund my education in part with substitute teaching. I think I lasted three days. It was not because I had bad kids or because they took me as a substitute for a ride. No. It was because I came home exhausted in a way I’d never been before. I played sports. I worked in construction. This was different. For the 6 1/2 hours I was there those three days I was on. I could not let down for one minute as I needed to stay one step ahead of those kids. I think this is true of our teachers. But they do it every day. And this does not include the work and stress of class preparation.

I could not have more respect for teachers. I could not have more respect for the teachers in District 271. My children had great teachers here in Coeur d’Alene. My grandchildren now have great teachers.

Without question, I’ll be voting “YES.”

DARRELL DLOUHY

Coeur d’Alene