Alternative schools, staff deserve better

I read in disbelief, the article in Sunday’s Bee about the teacher bonus program. I agree on the need for a bonus program. The exclusion of the alternative schools like Lake Pend Oreille High School because they may not fit the “cookie cutter” standards of most of the schools in Idaho, is wrong. Their student body is made up of students who don’t meet the standards of the other schools.

There are many various reasons why LPO’s students are there. The other students cannot or will not have the flexibility or commitment to meet the needs of this diverse student body. These students would otherwise fall through the education cracks.

Lake Pend Oreille is a “bright star” for our school district and a second chance for many students. It might be an “inconvenient truth” but without schools like LPO, these future adults are at the risk for failure without their high school diploma. Rick Dalessio, the teachers and staff should qualify for an extra bonus for the caring dedication and encouragement they give the students toward their education.

DARLENE YOUNG

ART YOUNG

Cocolalla