Recommends upcoming levy

February 8, 2015

February 7, 2015 To the Editor: It’s about the kids, not us! Idaho is a great place to raise children, but Idaho does not fund the educational system as it should. I have greatly enjoyed over 30 years in public education. Over this time, I have seen what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to be done to supplement our programs. The greatest indicator of student success is found in the quality of its personnel; Boundary County has quality people! We need to keep these people in front of our children. Our schools do a very good job—thanks to your support in the past! The levy, which you passed two years ago, has allowed us to provide what our local children needed and for this, I thank you! This opportunity will come again on March 10, and again, we need your support. Maintaining and improving our program is up to you. We need this levy! I am not saying this from the position of an employee; my position is for my students and your children. What will be lost if the levy fails: support staff, individual student attention, educational choice and extra-curricular programs. This is not just lip service, it is a fact. I have seen this over the years with other districts! Boundary County will experience larger class sizes and/or split level classes in the elementary schools and fewer programs. Without this program assistance, our efforts will continue, but our resources will be very limited. We will be forced to do less, with less. Our children and community will feel this! Over the last four years, tremendous gains have been made at Valley View. Test scores have improved and discipline problems have declined. Data prove these facts. The staff is proud and would like to continue this trend. With support of the new levy, we will have the resources to keep up with technology. Our students will remain competitive with this boost; our children must be given this opportunity. I understand financial restrictions; we all have limits and choices to make! What we need to remember is, our time here is fleeting—the kids are the future. Give them what they need, vote YES on March 10th! Gary Pflueger