The time is here to step up and support Boundary County’s youth and our public schools. It was not a good day when I received my RIF (reduction in force) letter from Jan Bayer a few weeks ago.
Even though I knew there was a good possibility that my job was on the line, it still was a gut punch knowing it is a reality, which many elective teachers have had to face throughout their careers. Unfortunately, we are the disposable ones.
I know I am not alone in hearing from my students, “your class is my favorite” or “I wouldn’t come to school if it wasn’t for music or art.”
The very BIG reality is … if the current school levy does not pass, there will be no Middle School Art, Music, Drama, CTE, Robotics and Sports. We’ve all been handed the RIF letters.
In my 12 years teaching at the Boundary County School District, I have let my students know how fortunate they are to go to schools that fully support the arts and extra curricular activities. If these programs go away, it will be for a minimum of two years, and I’m not sure what will happen after that. I have always loved and appreciated the support of our school board and administrators for these programs, keeping our schools vibrant and thriving! I work with amazing, dedicated and educated teachers. Our students have such great opportunities through our school programs, our community involvement and the other far reaching projects, beyond our school walls!
Our public schools are for every child and should remain a priority when it comes to State and Federal spending. I know it sounds cliche to say, “our children are our future,” but they are, and I choose my tax dollars to continue supporting free public education for all! Keep public schools fully supported !
P.S. Our Levy is a replacement Levy. Please vote YES on May 20!
Dawn Wagner
Bonners Ferry
BCMS Art Instructor
Students need you, Dawn! We will vote yes on the replacement levy. It’s about time everyone stands up for our kids and gets a school levy passed in Boundary County!
Current parents of students should be picking up the slack for art dept. driver ed., sports, etc. Parents without means should receive a County stipend with tax return verification.
Private funding should be acquired for building maintenance, upgrades, etc. With diminished public school attendance, Boundary County should be looking to reduce administratuive4 payroll.
Home schooled kids don’t get taxpayer funds, as well as Christian academies and Mennonite schools.
I have a big problem with Jan Bauer wanting to add more property taxes as I am a senior citizen and want to stay semi-retired. Many seniors have already supported public schools for their children 40 years ago!
If Jan Bauer has her way, seniors will be riding the bus down to Walmart for a job when they’re 70 so they can afford to heat their homes and eat!
Thank you Mr. Carr !!! I’m 74 and don’t want my taxes to go up. Times are tough as it is. The school district should have been thinking ahead instead of waiting till the last minute to burden this community with last minute decisions. Ask yourself, why did the school district put all our tax dollars into rebuilding and upgrading Evergreen School just to make it sit idle? Again, why did this school district not sell the property of the old middle school behind the casino till this past year? Appears to be poor leadership. And they want us to pay for their mistakes again?? Where does common sense come into play?
You should consider going to the district office and going over financials with them.