LETTER: Don't hold Bigfork students back with sub-par high school

I am writing this letter in support of the Bigfork High School bond.

Bigfork schools have always strived to provide a superior education to the students in our community. They have accomplished this goal with excellent teachers who want to teach and inspire our young community members, and in facilities that are both outdated and inadequate.

The high school holds classes in rooms that were once storage closets, classrooms that have been divided from one classroom into two, and classes that need to utilize the elementary/middle school. There is also a science lab that frankly is so small and crowded that I believe it is unsafe for our students. The fact is we have a wonderful science program, despite only having one lab. Three teachers share that lab due to lack of space, while some classes are held in the hallways and the gym. Students eat at a few tables in the foyer, on the floor in the hallways, or in classrooms that teachers open to them, because there is nowhere else for them to eat.

Is this really what we, as a community, want to provide for our future generations? We have put very little into a building that is almost 50 years old, other than expanding the bathrooms and foyer, painting the building, and replacing some of the windows for better heat retention. Our student population, as our community, has grown, but we have not renovated our high school to accommodate the growth or the educational requirements that have come with a changing world.

A cross-section of our community spent a good amount of time looking at options, budgets, and tax consequences for Bigfork homeowners. The committee sought more input from others in the community through open meetings, and settled on a plan that they believe will benefit our community and students. As with any plans there are many opinions and suggestions.

I urge you to take a tour of the school, see where the problems are, ask questions and seek answers to those questions. The tax consequence to property owners is not overwhelming, and like most property owners, I do not like to see taxes increased, but believe the benefits to our students and community far outweighs that increase.

I am thankful for the support our community has always shown to our school system, for the education my own family has received in Bigfork, and for the dedication of the staff at Bigfork schools. The schools are, and continue to be, a center for our community and a statement to the quality and health of Bigfork.

Most importantly, as we begin another school year I ask you to support the students and our school and vote yes for the high school bond!

Averill is a resident of Bigfork.