Base levy vote on what district schools need

As Americans, we all pay for our country's education. The Constitution and the ideal of democracy have value for us. We hope our school system will develop citizens who can and will participate productively in government - of the people, by the people, and for the people.

In hard times, healthy communities invest in themselves. Along with education, school buildings serve as meeting places and social/recreational centers. We assemble at schools to receive information and make community decisions. We celebrate events of passage for our children there. In crisis, schools may be utilized to temporarily house emergency personnel or those who are evacuated from their homes. On occasion, we grieve at schools and children learn how a community comes together in the face of loss. Our schools are an important part of our community. They represent an on-going investment; the return measured in the quality of our society.

Many Idahoans are concerned about the economy and unsure what to expect with property taxes. We've been discouraged by some uses of tax dollars. Trust needs to be built. I was disappointed by a school board member's quote evaluating the people's ability to pay for a levy based Starbuck's business. This type of comment fails to address sincere concerns of voters.

I will take Superintendent Dick Cvitanich up on his offer to tour facilities and take time to better understand the LPOSD request. I'll base my vote on what I believe is needed by our community schools at this time. I hope you will do the same.

DEBORAH CROSSETT

Cocolalla