In 2006, Blaine County parents and community members came together to save property-tax funding of local schools. I was part of this effort and have always been a big supporter of high-quality public schools.
Now, however, I do not support the $59.8 million facilities levy.
Successful school districts prioritize teaching and learning. I believe this levy detracts from that goal. It is about continuing a level of facilities funding that has been among the highest in the nation on a per-pupil basis. To put the size of this levy in perspective, it is enough to build almost two and a half new high schools or four elementary schools.
Somehow a line has been blurred: A huge level of funding for facilities and projects has been equated to great education. They are not the same. The Idaho School Boards Association puts it this way (from their Web site): "The child comes fifirst! Other concerns such as ... construction, the selection of building sites [etc.] ... have a way of appearing to be more important. These concerns should be viewed in light of how each affects the [education of the] children of your district."
Please send a message to our district to refocus on education—job one—as well as to respect the public purse in these times. Vote "no" Thursday, Oct. 29.
You may vote at any one of the district's four elementary schools, Hemingway, Bellevue, Woodside or Hailey, or at Carey school. You may also stop by the district office in 118 W. Bullion St. in Hailey anytime before Oct. 29.
Elizabeth Schwerdtle
Hailey
