Few things as important as our youths' education

Few things are as important to the welfare of our community as is the quality of the education we provide the children. The employers need employees who are able to think logically and solve problems. Families need their kids to grow up confident in themselves and their abilities. The children need to be able to earn a respectable wage and make it on their own. Future generations need to have wisdom and good character. A good education is the foundation of making these things possible.

But, a good education requires a good environment that is suitable for learning. At the very least, a good environment is school buildings that are safe and not over crowded. Our buildings must be improved from their current status. They must have good lighting and heating systems; be free of asbestos; have science labs that work; decent floors and carpeting; working lockers; roofs that don't leak; ceilings that aren't water stained; walls painted and decorated in a manner conducive to education; and additional classrooms that are actually part of the building. The teachers and staff are doing a fantastic job of educating under the conditions we have put them.

It is shameful to walk through our schools and think that these buildings are the best we are willing to provide. We can and must do better. By law, only the citizens of our district can improve our school buildings. It is our responsibility to our kids and our community.

This levy is a very good start to fixing our school buildings. We must pass the levy.

CLIFTON WARREN

Sandpoint