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Do we want well-rounded students in our community? Sandpoint’s future depends on the community supporting the upcoming school levy election. This is not a scheme or a new levy. It replaces the current levy as is done every two years. Why are some people making it sound like a new levy? The future of the school, community, county, and businesses depends on this levy passing. Without it every aspect of the economy will suffer. Many staff members will lose their jobs causing them to move from the area to seek employment. Class sizes will increase, there will be no extracurricular activities, and technology will plummet, just to name a few. This exit from Sandpoint and Bonner County will affect all walks of life.

The couple-dollar increase in the total levy is small. Everything has increased — look at the cost of groceries, utilities, house, etc. Government, both federal and state, does not cover the total cost of schooling. Public schools are necessary as not all families can afford to send their children to a private, tuition-based school. Teachers and staff members do not go into the field of education to get rich financially. Their riches come from the success of students who go on to become contributing members of society.

There is a great deal of information about this levy and the school district on the district website (LPOSD.org) if one will only take the time to read it.

I will vote yes for schools.

PHYLLIS BAKER

Sandpoint