Support education, vote yes

"If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be."

Every student that I have had in my history classes for at least the past five years knows that the author of that quote is Thomas Jefferson and they know what it means. Free societies require an educated citizenry. Public education was created for that reason.

Public education has taken on additional purposes and has had imposed on it numerous additional responsibilities over the years. Some of its beneficiaries have forgotten the original purpose. It is important for all citizens in a democratic society to remember that they have a self interest in supporting public education.

One of my colleagues at Sandpoint High School who is also the father of two school age children pointed out that based on his average priced home in Sandpoint he pays 4 cents per day, per child for his children's education. That seems to me, and I hope to you, a small price to pay for something as important as an educated citizenry.

If you desire information regarding the levy please go to the LPOSD Web site, or call the district office or any of the schools. Democracy is the most demanding of all forms of government — it requires us to be educated and active citizens.

Please vote yes on March 20 in support of public education.

DEBBIE SMITH

Sagle