Levy is reasonable and necessary

Please support the March 8 school levy.

This year, state and federal government will not be increasing or even maintaining their current level of support for our schools. This sounds like a bad thing and could have disastrous consequences to our schools. (Actually, it’s a good thing if we act responsibly at a local level.)

This current levy is necessary to maintain the current level of education due to the decrease in state and federal funding. It is critical that it pass just to maintain our district but don’t we always hear that? Yes, and the reason why is because local school levies are a necessary means of funding local education.

In today’s world, this is the way the system works. If you want good schools and quality education then you have to pay for it. You should be expecting to be voting on a school levy as long as you want good schools. This is a good thing. The power is in our hands to provide our community with excellent education.

In my opinion, we have a well-run school district that doesn’t ask for too much. Our district’s school taxes are the lowest of all surrounding districts and 60 percent below the state average. The levy is reasonable, necessary and doesn’t overburden the taxpayers.

The power is yours. Do you believe in education. Do you support our school system? Is local education a top priority for you?

This levy is only for two years and will only maintain current levels. In the years to come I would hope we, as a community, can make a longer term commitment to our school district so that we may show our support for true advances in education, making Lake Pend Oreille School District recognized statewide as an exceptional school district with the full commitment and support of the community.

BILL CONNOLLY

Sandpoint