Community's support of levy needed for students' success

As the May 20 election approaches, I urge all Boundary County citizens to support the BCSD maintenance and operations levy. While some may feel they shouldn’t contribute without having students in the district, our schools serve far more than just traditionally enrolled students—they support our entire community.

BCSD welcomes part-time and home-schooled students into classes, athletics, and extra-curriculars. Currently, about 30 non-traditional students attend classes at the HS or MS and about 37 participate in athletics. This doesn’t include dozens of kids involved in community theater through a partnership between BFHS and Bonners Ferry Youth Performing Arts.

In a community without a YMCA or community center, our school buildings fill the gap. Over 50 groups use our facilities for practices, meetings, and events—ranging from church groups and fire departments to indoor soccer, pickleball, craft fairs, Parks & Rec. youth sports, and Civil Air Patrol. While some pay a small fee, many youth-focused groups use the space for free.

Our students also give back through service—raising donations for food banks, veterans, and local families in need. Local businesses benefit from events like games and tournaments hosted by the schools.

Our schools and community are deeply connected. Even if you don’t have children in BCSD, I hope you’ll consider how our schools uplift all of us. Supporting the levy supports Boundary County as a whole.

LYNDSAY HART

Bonners Ferry