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Imagine you’re building a house. You really need this house. You have a responsibility to build it, even a legal mandate to build it. You go to the bank for financing. The bank says, “Well, we can fund a basement, the ground floor, and some of the walls.” The rest is up to you.

This is how Idaho funds K-12 education. The state (the bank) goes first and declares how much they can pitch in for the foundation. Then it’s up the builder (the local community) to decide if they want a complete house. We’re not talking about fancy carpeting or hot tubs here — we’re talking about sturdy walls and a leak-proof roof. We’re talking about protecting our kids from the storm. In this district, we rely on local support to build the walls and the roof of an effective instructional program.

I am employed by the district, but am writing today as the father of a first grader, a child just at the outset of his educational journey through this district. If the shaky claims of the anti-levy folks carry the day he will be punished for the folly of his elders. On March 14, we are not voting for “extra.” We’re voting for walls and a roof. It would be wonderful if our community could meaningfully discuss the drapes and appliances necessary to build a house worthy of the Parade of Homes, but for now we just need to keep our kids out of the elements. It is truly the least we can do.

GEOFF PENROSE

Sandpoint