Letters to the editor Feb. 14

School choice

I’m writing in response to Moffie Funk’s article demeaning the use of public funds for private education.

As a former public school counselor and as a current director of a nonprofit private school for neurodivergent children, I believe that school choice benefits our students and our communities. As a parent of children with diverse needs, both of whom were not receiving positive educational experiences at their public schools, school choice is a valuable way to provide children the learning that they deserve.

Many families in Montana, particularly those with disabled children, are unable to afford a private or homeschool education, however, it may be the best place for their children to thrive. If we value and prioritize our children’s education, then why wouldn’t we support the use of our taxpayer funds to support homeschool and private school education?

Public schools should put student needs first, and that may require supporting an education in a non-public school setting.

— April Schottelkorb, Kalispell

Where is the leadership?

The Post Office on First Avenue West is now closed from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m. The KM building now requires a code to open its doors to explore its massive hallways filled with historical displays. The library is looking at possibly hiring a security guard. Now the city is looking to create an ordinance to keep Depot Park free from homeless folks sleeping and living there.

It’s a patchwork of efforts by many to address homelessness. Where is leadership?

Years ago, former Kalispell Police Chief Frank Garner led efforts to address an epidemic of drugs in our community. It was successful in educating and bringing the community together on the issue. We need the same now. We need to know, do all warming centers operate with the same rules for those they serve? Do we have mental health care available for homeless? Do we have sufficient city and county laws for drunkness, urinating in public? Do we call upon our police or do we strengthen their numbers with specialists on this subject? Do we provide incentives to developers or landlords to provide a percentage of their rentals for affordable housing? Are there federal or state monies or grants to help city and state governments address the impact homeless have on business and safety of community?

We have talented city grant writers who might be helpful to a solution if utilized. Where is a leadership to call us all together to work toward solutions?

This problem needs a comprehensive community effort and the community needs a leadership to bring us all together to craft it.

— Karlene Khor, Kalispell

Complex situation

I want to thank the Inter Lake for the editorial on Jan. 22 calling for an informed and compassionate response to the homelessness in our community.

While homelessness makes all of us feel uncomfortable, we need leaders who are not afraid to be honest about the complexity of the situation and willing to lead us toward helpful solutions. It feels disingenuous and irresponsible to suggest that we are doing such a good job at caring for the homeless in this community that we are attracting the homeless to our small town in frigid, wintry Northwest Montana.

It felt good to read an editorial that calls us to think more honestly, deeply and mercifully about this problem.

— Jeryl Hollinger, Kalispell