Facilities levy is badly needed

On May 20, the voters in the Lake Pend Oreille School District will have the opportunity to do something that hasn't been done in years - physically improve our schools. The last renovations to our schools were nearly a generation ago, in 1991. The last bond election that passed was in 1953.

At a middle school meeting this week, the first thing I saw was a large trash can positioned to catch leaks from the ceiling. The physical condition of several schools is abhorrent. They are not at all as described in an earlier letter to the editor which said our schools “may not be in A1 shape, but are functional.” Lockers that don't lock, children working in portables with no running water, classrooms with little or no heat are not “functional.”

When people move into our community, they want to know if the community cares about education. One look at our history and the answer is easy. No. We have wonderful teachers, but have given them despicable working conditions.

The special plant facilities levy election coming up on May 20 is only a two-year commitment, but it will reap a generation of improvements. None of the funds will be used for staff salaries or administrators. They will be used to relieve overcrowding in our elementary schools and eliminate serious health concerns, from asbestos removal to playground safety.

Please vote yes on May 20.

JOANNE STROM

Sandpoint