LPOSD: Support during snow crisis appreciated

On behalf of the students and staff of the Lake Pend Oreille School District, I would like to thank our county commissioners, director of emergency services, Bob Howard, and the members of the National Guard for all of the assistance we received during the great snowfall this winter. From my very first phone call to the county commissioner's office on a Friday morning, to the arrival of the National Guard on the following Sunday, the action of our county officials was swift and helpful. This included close work with Mr. Howard, who assisted us in a variety of ways through contacts with FEMA and the National Guard. Commissioner Todd Crossett attended our first meeting with the National Guard and the county to make sure we had all of the assistance we needed. Commissioner Lewis Rich personally inspected School to demonstrate his support.

Finally, the National Guard worked very hard. Their men and women willingly jumped to the task and actually appeared to be enjoying themselves. We couldn't have completed the work and provided for the safety of our students without them.

Our buildings are old and the flat roofs that were economic to build so many years ago, were a danger to our students. We were concerned about the snow load capabilities, primarily. We are now dealing with the many leaks into hallways and classrooms. Those are difficult to tolerate and we will have an opportunity to correct those problems with our plant and facility levy in May. However, in the meantime, our students' safety was the primary concern. My hat is off to our Bonner County team, National Guard, and our facilities staff led by Sid Rayfield. Thank you for proving that government can work well in attending to the needs of citizens.

n Dick Cvitanich is superintendent of the Lake Pend Oreille School District,