Light up community and support BCSD levy

Socrates said “education is not the filling of a vessel, but the kindling of a flame!”

I could fill you with stats about how most students participating in extracurriculars, like sports, clubs and arts, accomplish higher scholastic achievements. I can tell you about my own five children, and how dance, athletics, music, special education, accelerated learning and art continue to enrich their lives daily. I might even share the hundreds of single stories of students, musicians, teammates, leaders and more, who I not only watched grow, but who helped me to grow in return, as I served as a para, substitute, coach and volunteer in our own Boundary County School District.

I can remind you of what you had or lacked in your own education, because of the support level of your local constituents. I could explain the history of educational funding in Idaho and how the other 47% not covered by the state or fed was once part of our general fund, replaced by supplemental funding and increases in sales tax, then facing a recession, was cut, never to wholly return to the general fund. I could fill pages. Moving forward, I urge you to seek answers, explore history and stimulate reform.

Tuesday, March 9, I ask you take a moment and focus not on the opinions which threaten to divide us, but instead upon the principles which have the potential to unite us. We are all neighbors, thriving on reciprocity. If we choose to continue supporting our schools, the money stays here. Happiness grows here. Promises of tomorrow are nurtured here, for Boundary County, by Boundary County, as a continued investment in all of us. Life is made up of where we have been, where we are at and where we are headed.

On March 9, our community will have the opportunity to vote to continue funding the maintenance and operations levy which bridges the gap between where we are and where we can be.

I’ll leave you with this … Some of you know our oldest child, a senior in high school this year. Some of you are aware of the health crisis she suffered that turned our lives upside down and nearly took hers. Sports and music gave her something to hold onto. The teachers and coaches supported her and helped her mind and heart to thrive while her body atrophied. Leadership State and talent shows and all the “extras” beyond the core curriculum and mandates didn’t just fill up her days, they lit her heart, mind and soul ablaze. Boundary County, please join me in lighting up our community by voting yes Tuesday, March 9, (which by the way just happens to be Em’s birthday.)

Thank you for your time and consideration!

ALYSSA PINKERTON

Bonners Ferry