SCHOOL LEVY: Vote for the future of community

Two years ago, I felt the immense pressure of a school caving in as the community it educates retracted its support. Fortunately, after student voices were heard, the supplemental levy passed. Since then, I have moved to Georgia to further pursue a higher education, but my roots and commitment remain in Coeur d’Alene. I have three younger siblings: all on track to go through the Coeur d’Alene public school system. Like my siblings, there are over 10,000 students that, if the levy fails this Nov. 5, will lose the same opportunities that I had.

These students represent the future of our community. The sports and clubs that the levy supports are necessary for the formation of students; allowing the youth to pursue their passions is paramount to their success. I know I would not be where I am today without the programs our schools provide. Without sports to fortify character, arts to enrich the mind, and technical programs to broaden knowledge, students cannot follow their dreams or fulfill their potential.

The Coeur d’Alene School District’s motto is “Invest, Inspire, Innovate,” but if the community surrounding it does not stand behind it, the schools can never live up to this promise. In the effort of bettering the lives of future generations, every vote matters. On my very first ballot, I will be voting to pass the supplemental levy — for the future of our youth and our town.

ZACH ANDERSON

Coeur d’Alene