Kids are our best investment |
| April 27, 2011 |
|
Boundary County School District 101 has spent
weeks responding to community questions in
regards to the M&O levy. I would like to recap
what I have heard, and my thoughts. Volunteering on the school board, it is a given that we truly care about what happens with our youth in this county. Not only academically, but that their lives are as well-rounded as we can provide for. What I've heard is that we are not alone. We challenge our administrators to make things work; our teachers are passionate about their schools and their kids; our classified staff members have the same passion and take our kids under their winigs. Our community loves watching our youth strive to succeed ... not only as graduates, but succeed in striving to do their best in the many different extracurricular activities that fit their talents. I appreciate the adults who made it out to the community event April 21 and thank all those who shared. But by far, I was captured by the students who courageously shared with the audience what Bonners Ferry High School has meant in their lives. They want and need the whole package. They validated our position as board members. They are who we are fighting for, and they are worth all our effort and time. It all comes back into the community. It is what binds us together. A few weeks back, I attended a track meet at our high school, 14 teams participating. At the same time, baseball was going on, with four teams participating in a two-day tournament. Our town was filled with people, our restaurants were full, the stores were busy and the Badger Booster's concession stand was hopping! People were happy, everyone was visiting, and it was a prosperous and enriching day for our community. This was just one day with a few seasonal events. Such days are happening all the time in our community, and it is our bond. The benefits are reaping what we sow. In a school district, all the "stuff" that goes on behind the scenes consumes a lot of time and energy. There are so many decisions to make, and every one has a plus and a minus. Our board believes that the student is the first and last consideration in every decision we make. Our goal is to always do what is best for kids. Finances, as in a business, do dictate changes. But finances do not have to change our goals. Youth in our county are our best investment. PLEASE, get out and vote May 17th. |
|
Melanie Staples BCSD Trustee Bonners Ferry |