LETTER: Invest in our students

Flathead Valley voters, I want to encourage you to vote yes for both the elementary and high school bonds.

I have heard an overwhelming amount of support for the bonds from friends and family, for which I am so grateful. Our schools are busting at the seams with kids — our own children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends. We want each one to be successful and to grow into hard-working, determined, educated community members. Our schools are well equipped with phenomenal teachers who go above and beyond for our kids.

As a community, these schools belong to all of us. It is our responsibility to take care of our schools, to support our teachers, and to invest in the future citizens of Kalispell. For the cost of two lattes a month, I can help ensure that Kalispell kids can eat in a lunchroom instead of a hallway. If I order one less pizza, a roof can be replaced. If I walk to work, or even dig through my couch cushions for change, I can reduce class sizes from 30 students to 20, improving the personal education each child can receive.

I have always voted yes for school bonds, and I always will, even after my own kids have graduated. This community did it for me when I was in school, and it is my duty to pass on this gift. I can think of no better investment than the education of the citizens of our town. —Betsy Cummings, Kalispell