Not sure if it will make the paper. My opinion here. Share if were on the same page! Dear Editor, In my years of growing up I was lucky to have caring parents, a supportive family, and a community involved in and proud of what kids were doing. We’ve all heard, “It takes a village to raise kids”. I think it’s true. I think of all the parents supporting kids’ activities, fundraisers, and sports, today I look back in appreciation. We’re voting on Tuesday, May 20 and for me, supporting public education is THE issue in this election. Our incumbent Idaho legislators have made it a practice to not support public education. In fact, they’ve made it a “non-priority”. The Constitution of the State of Idaho says: “…it shall be the duty of the legislature of Idaho, to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public education…” Article IX Section I. The lack of funding from the State Legislature is not living up to that duty. I am stymied by the notion that we are going to grow our economy in the State of Idaho by neither uniformly or thoroughly funding education. Students are asked to “Go On!” and continue their education past high school, and then our universities and colleges tell us that these same students are not prepared for that education. I see a direct correlation between what Monte Pearce, Judy Boyle, and Lawrence Denny have done in failing to adequately fund public education, and the struggles in our schools. Our District 9 schools have had their funding reduced by the State Legislature to a point where they barely afford to keep the lights on. Repairs are not being made to buildings, and class room supplies for teachers and students are being supplied by the students themselves, or out of the teachers’ pockets. How would Pearce, Boyle, and Denny know about these problems? Wouldn’t they ask the educators and administrators whom they represent? Of course, except they have not. It is time for change. We need elected officials who will support public education. We want elected officials who are involved with school and community leaders. If you are like me and want to see our economy grow, if you want to see good paying jobs attracted to Idaho through a well-funded system of public education, I encourage you to join me in voting for Jeri Soulier, Abby Lee, and Ryan Kerby on Tuesday, May 20. Joel Williams, Fruitland
Posted on: Fri, 16 May 2014 23:43:54 +0000