LETTER: Spend money so schools keep pace with growth

Kalispell MUST pass the upcoming school bonds. Full disclosure: I’m a teacher. But I’m also the parent of twin fifth-graders at Hedges Elementary whose educations I care deeply about.

As an educator, I likely apply MORE scrutiny to my childrens’ education than the average parent might; after all, I have ALL the information. I know the ins and outs of school, district, state, and federal policy. I know which questions to ask and what pitfalls to look for. And even with this uniquely critical lens, all I can say is this — I’m immensely grateful for the incredible quality education my children are getting.

I feel so blessed that they’re in one of the highest preforming schools in one of the highest performing districts in one of the highest performing states in the country.

That said, their classes are big. Almost 30 kids in each.

At a recent open house, another parent was concerned about class sizes and asked the teacher what could be done. “Can’t we move kids who live outside of the Hedges area to other schools?” The teacher responded politely and correctly: The district has already done this. The reality is that there isn’t a single elementary school in SD5 that isn’t already over capacity.

This trend will continue. Kalispell’s population has grown faster than its schools have. Our middle and high schools will also suffer as this enlarged (and still growing) population ages. It’s not a bubble. Our community’s growth is a reality that will continue whether we address it or not. We’re already overcrowded and our enrollment numbers keep growing.

Now is not the time for temporary, stop-gap solutions. Doing things right is always cheaper in the long run. Please vote. A “YES” vote will only cost the median Kalispell homeowner $8.31 a month. —Christopher “C.J.” Cummings, Kalispell