Boundary County,
I’m writing to urge your support for the Boundary County Maintenance and Operation Levy. Early voting is in progress, so go vote now. If you can’t make it to early voting, plan to vote on Tuesday, May 20th.
My family’s story is deeply tied to our schools—my parents, my children, my wife Jessica Stolley (current Boundary County business owner), and I were all shaped by the education and opportunities our school district has provided.
Those experiences laid the foundation for who I am today, and I’m forever grateful for the role our schools played in my journey. Growing up in Boundary County and attending school K-12, I gained more than just academic knowledge.
My teachers, coaches, and a bus driver or two, taught me discipline, perseverance, and a strong sense of community—values that have guided me through my service as a Marine and through life.
I owe so much to Conrad Garner, Steve Neumeyer, Linda Hall, Rex and Julie Koehler, and many other members of our wrestling family.
Teachers like Bill Hayden, my aunt Sue Stolley, Travis Hinthorn, Connie Perez, Amy Cowley, Pat Stewart, and many more, all had an impact in their own way.
Those same principles supported me as I earned my bachelor’s degree while working full-time as a police officer for the Bonners Ferry Police Department, which was honestly one of the more challenging things I have ever done.
The same principles continue to support me as I serve as your Sheriff. The education and mentorship I received here shaped me into a leader, and I owe much of my success to the opportunities our schools provided.
My connection to our schools didn’t end when I graduated. Once my service in the Marine Corps ended, we chose to move home and raise our family here. I became involved in our athletics program as a wrestling coach for both the middle and high school teams. I’ve seen firsthand how programs like these build resilient, hardworking young men and women. Wrestling instills teamwork, determination, and responsibility—qualities that prepare students to become dependable employees and engaged community members.
Our sheriff’s office currently employs one of the wrestlers I coached, and I know that employee has what it takes to make it in an extremely challenging career. I see it in action every day.
These programs, supported by the levy, are vital for nurturing the next generation of Boundary County leaders. The Maintenance and Operation Levy ensures our schools can continue to thrive by funding safe facilities, dedicated teachers, and opportunities like athletics that help students grow into well-rounded individuals.
It’s an investment in our children and our community’s future, just as it was an investment in me. I urge you to vote yes for the levy to preserve the legacy of excellence that has shaped my family and so many others.
I understand the frustrations of seeing the apparent lack of support from our state government. I would agree that they are not doing what they are constitutionally required to do. We need to hold our representatives responsible for that, not our students and future leaders of our community. I encourage you to reach out to our school board and ask questions directly if you need clarification on why this levy is so important.
One last note: …I just wanted to get my opinion out there. No matter how you vote, we can have different opinions and still be friends, so please keep the conversations civil.
Sincerely,
Travis Stolley
Father of two current students
BFHS graduate
USMC veteran
College graduate
Boundary County Sheriff
Where and how much will the money go for Boundary County Maintenance and Operations Levy go?
https://www.bcsd101.com/
There is a quite detailed slide presentation on the website as Mike listed. Jan Bayer will be doing a Q & A week after next. Not a confirmed date yet, but will be posting that. Andrea, her assistant, will be speaking at the coalition 7:30 a.m. May 3 to answer questions as well.