LETTER: Don't go into debt for schools

Pleased to vote NO on SD5’s high-school bond request for $29 million with a TBD interest rate for 20 years because school districts should not be in the business of issuing debts.

The Board of Trustees should be ashamed of themselves, they’ve mixed a lot of wants with needs and created a fiscally irresponsible plan that would be of great detriment to Kalispell taxpayers. I’d like to see a complete breakdown of costs because I can sympathize with the need for updates at Flathead and Linderman, but almost $29 million is an egregious request.

For context, building Glacier High, renovating KJHS (now KMS), and expanding Flathead High cost $50 million. Though necessary, that price tag is still burdening taxpayers. Through this request SD5 has displayed its incompetence and disregard for a community already under strain from our rapidly changing county. I hope to not only see this measure fail, but to see our trustees be held accountable for their ineffective leadership.

For a complete breakdown of the plan, and a view of the unnecessary fluff (like taking out debt for money that will be set aside indefinitely), visit http://www.sd5.k12.mt.us/11/home — Ashlee Buller, Kalispell