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District’s negligence of flags is simply shameful

The headline in the Bee on November 26th : Youth’s flag campaign a success.” A heartwarming story of two young children, elementary and middle school age, who decided to raise as much money as needed to replace the aging, faded flags at Sandpoint Middle School after noticing their poor condition. Kudos to them and the patriotic citizens who stepped up and donated over $1,000.

I have a question, though. Why did it take two children to notice what many teachers, staff and highly paid administrators apparently are oblivious to? Many of these flags have been up for over 30 years, according to the kids’ fundraising statement.

The school district has a budget of more than $30 million. I would hope that somewhere in that budget would be a line item for replacement of flags, and that someone would keep an eye on their condition and buy new ones as necessary.

During the recent campaign to get a $55 million school facilities levy approved, the district admitted that they have been shortchanging maintenance for years. I guess flags were part of the negligence.

This is nothing short of shameful.

SANDRA RUTHERFORD

Sandpoint