Upcoming school levy is a must for student safety

I urge all voters to get to the polls on Sept. 5 and vote yes for the school plant facility levy. The levy is a must for our school children's safety and to ensure that there are adequate facilities in which they can learn and thrive.

Fifteen years have passed since there have been any major improvements to school buildings. Much of this proposed levy will be used to complete Kootenai Elementary School, which currently houses over half of its school population in portable classrooms that have no running water, no bathrooms and do not conform to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Completion of Kootenai will also ease overcrowding at other schools in the area to which Kootenai students are currently bused, including Farmin Stidwell and Washington.

It is imperative that we say yes to the levy and complete the school on which construction began in 1991. To vote no is putting off the inevitable at what is sure to be a higher price. With an increase in construction in the Kootenai school area and the ever rising cost of construction, it will only cost taxpayers more in the future.

Many people question whether there are other ways to pay for this besides a levy. It is my understanding that a levy is the only way to raise money for school improvements. It is also important to note that a citizens group, in conjunction with the school board, will oversee the expenditures. When the levy passes, those spending the money are bound by law to follow the proposal ensuring no overspending or spending money where it has not been allocated.

If you have questions, you can refer to the Lake Pend Oreille School District's Web site (www.lposd.org) or contact Bill Berg at 263-4748.

Members of the group Citizens for Better Schools have thoroughly researched the levy and are eager to ensure the citizens are informed before casting their vote.

If you have doubts, don't simply vote no. Ask questions and become informed and vote yes for our children.

PATTY HUTCHENS

Sandpoint