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As a full-time working mother of three children, I’d like to voice my support for the March 14 levy. I want my children to go to schools with sports activities, manageable class sizes, and adequate supplies. The idea of my children being forced to attend school with larger class sizes due to staffing cuts appalls me. Idaho already has a smaller average class size than Washington state. It would be tragic if our classes were forced up into the 30s and 40s due to budget cuts which cause staffing cuts if this levy is not approved.

The idea of schools being forced to charge students for sports saddens me because I know the income gap between parents who can afford to pay for sports and parents who cannot is real. When I think of less financially able families than mine having to say no to their children being involved in sports, it hurts my heart. When I think of my children having to navigate in a community where children turn to not-as-desirable after-school activities (which unfortunately often means unsupervised, dangerous, and/or even illegal activities) because school sports are unaffordable, that makes me worried for my children and their peer influence, as well as for their peers and how the lack of opportunities will affect them.

When I imagine my children’s schools not having the money for new supplies or growing technology demands, I feel short-changed, because I know other districts, communities and states are providing their students with these things.

Doesn’t it make sense to give our children what those in other communities have? If you agree, vote yes March 14 levy.

ELLIE LOUISE SPENCER

Sandpoint