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Section 1, Article IX of the constitution of the state of Idaho describes the state legislature’s duty with regard to providing public instruction: “The stability of a republican form of government depending mainly upon the intelligence of the people, it shall be the duty of the legislature of Idaho, to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools.”

Idaho schools are some of the most under-funded and under-performing schools in the nation. I believe that teachers are not to blame for this harsh reality. I blame the legislature for failing to live up to its constitutional duty to provide a “uniform and thorough system of public” schools, particularly in rural Idaho where we have fewer resources.

When more populous counties leverage property taxes to make up where the legislature fell short, their citizens shoulder a proportionately smaller property tax burden than we do in rural Bonner County.

Perhaps its time for someone to sue the state again for failing to provide “uniform” educational opportunities, particularly in rural Idaho.

In the meantime, I will vote for the levy because I believe that our kids (who cannot vote) and our teachers deserve our support. We all benefit from the education of our kids.

BRAD SMITH

Sandpoint