Invest in schools or spend it on prisons

It comes as no surprise that our county is taking bids for an oversized  juvenile lock-up facility, even though (correct me if I am wrong) the levy did not pass voter approval.  Whose kids are they planning to lock up? Perhaps the majority of our school children who drop out or are kicked out of school. This allows for shining statistics regarding the graduating remainder.

Crime is most likely in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Might not the $4 million be better spent on salaries for teachers and programs that would prevent juvenile delinquency? The cost of locking our children up instead of creating better motivation for success goes beyond the building estimate. Institutionalized parenting is no substitute for the real thing.  Kids who are labeled deviant may become career criminals. And, each child will cost the county more than the school expense we refuse to fund today.

Those who believe the problem starts at home need to understand that today’s society no longer supports a stay-at-home parent. We can either invest in schools, or we’ll have to spend it on prisons. Better education leads to better salaries, and better parenting options. 

VAL THORNTON

Sandpoint