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Many people forget that as a public school, LPOSD serves all children of all ages and all abilities, disabilities, economic backgrounds and emotional needs.

Unlike private schools that choose only the demographic of their liking. At LPOSD, all children are worthy of an education and all children are served. Spend an hour observing or volunteering in any classroom and you will better understand the challenges faced by these committed staffers serving all equally yet effectively. LPOSD percentage of children eligible for free and reduced lunches reaches well above 50 percent in many schools where staff prepare breakfast, lunch and donations to make weekend food packs so these children get what they need to fuel their development.

Sandpoint High School has consistently been rated in US News and World Report’s top five high schools in Idaho. This reflects high test scores and strong student preparation for college and the real world. Clark Fork and Lake Pend Oreille high schools provide very individualized and successful learning opportunities to their smaller class sizes. These programs are all in jeopardy if the levy fails.

The Idaho Legislature leaves levy funds as the only way to scrape enough dollars together to keep schools open, serving all children to be ready for the future. Please think back to tax dollars paid for your K-12 education, how that shaped your life and know that it is a critical investment in not just youth, but our community and area economy. Please vote yes for LPOSD Levy on March 12.

NANCY HASTINGS

Sandpoint