LETTER: Vote yes for high-school bond

Vote “Yes” for the Kalispell high-school bond by Oct. 4.

I am in favor of the high-school bond for several reasons. The bond is for immediate needs in our community high schools. This is the first time a bond will fund a major $4,645,500 renovation of the Agricultural Education Center. The Agricultural Education Center is home of the Kalispell Chapter FFA, which includes both Flathead High School and Glacier High School students. The school is located east of Willow Glen Drive at 310 FFA Drive.

After working at the Ag Center for 17 years and having recently retired, I understand the need for additional classroom space and improvements to accommodate increased enrollment. The Ag Center opened in 1978 with 105 students. Currently, 330 students attend the center, which has had minimal improvements in 38 years. Not only will added classrooms help the learning environment with current students, but will house an additional 50 to 70 students.

We are fortunate to have four exceptionally dedicated Ag Education instructors at our Agricultural Education Center along with a committed staff of biology, English, and natural-resource teachers. If our community can provide the classroom space to work with, it will give more students the opportunity to participate in our Agricultural Education Program, which will help fill the critical shortage of qualified agricultural professionals. The community support has always been the main contributor to the success of the ag program and is greatly appreciated.

The high-school bond also includes much-needed renovations to FHS, GHS, Linderman Education Center and Legends stadium. The total high-school bond of $28,766,000 will cost $2.44 per month for every $100,000 of assessed property value or $29.23 annually. For more information on the school bonds, visit Kalispell Public Schools’ website or call the district office. —Janet Holter, Kalispell