EDITORIAL: School elections sure sign of spring

It feels like an early summer is on the way this week, with unseasonably pleasant weather, but the upcoming school elections are a reminder that it’s still April and school districts need you to focus on their various levy requests and trustee elections.

Whitefish, Creston and Marion all have levy requests on their ballots for the May 3 school election, with Whitefish proposed by far the biggest levy request. Whitefish School District is seeking $400,000 for the elementary district and $300,000 for the high school district annually over seven years. Marion is asking for $48,064 annually to operate the school, and the Creston School District wants $15,000 a year over five years to renovate and maintain the school.

Some school districts also have trustee elections for their school boards. Pay attention to what’s happening in your district because our schools are a vitally important part of our communities. Vote on May 3.

She’s one to watch

The Flathead is home to some of the best and brightest high school students anywhere. Laura Hartland is a good example of that assertion. The 15-year-old Stillwater Christian School student got a jump-start on her political aspirations by filing to run as a Republican candidate for Montana House District 10. She later gave up her legislative run after state officials informed her that although her age doesn’t bar her from running for or holding office, it would prevent her from voting on legislation if elected.

Hartland was in the third grade when she helped organize votes for then-presidential candidate John McCain during a mock election. Her biggest concern is what she sees as an uninformed electorate.

We need more astute teens like Hartland who want to be engaged in making a difference as a lawmaker. We have no doubt she’ll be one to watch on the political stage in years to come.