Quality of education is on the line

I was fortunate to grow up here and graduate from Flathead High School. My graduating class consisted of 512 students and looking back I know that I received an excellent education. Not only did I receive a strong education in the basics, consisting of reading, writing, math and science, I also received complimentary classes and programs that established the person I am, and others are today. 

Unfortunately, if the levy fails, legacy programs will phase out and 20 plus teachers will lose their jobs. The added stress to the remaining faculty will create larger classrooms and loss of these programs. Overall, the quality of the educational experience will diminish. 

I was able to broaden my possibilities with tools I learned in outdoor literature, photography, drafting and fly-tying. My daughter was able to participate in a fly-casting class and after receiving a college education she elected to become a fly-fishing guide. 

The aviation class boosted students to become pilots. My friends who took auto mechanics and auto body have rebuilt engines and refurbished cars. Farmer’s sons and daughters who went through the Ag Center are now running their family’s farms and ranches. 

Our speech and debate is second to none and these young adults will begin their life from high school with confidence to succeed in their chosen fields. 

I met a student who was a guest at our Rotary Club, and was representing the school’s guitar class. He and his partner played while we ate lunch. After the performance he told us about the program. One thing he said was that if it was not for the guitar class, he, and a couple more classmates may not be in school. 

The more we can feed these precious young minds with the basics and these quality programs the opportunities are endless. 

It has been years since our community has passed a levy and now is the time we need to pass this one. Please support our students and our high schools. 

A.J. King is CEO and Chair of Three Rivers Bank of Montana.