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I just don’t understand all the fuss over the school levy. I know there will always be folks who don’t like to pay taxes and don’t have any personal interest in schools. But the Lake Pend Oreille School District has been successfully passing a replacement levy to fund a major chunk of the school operation budget every two years for 17 years.

This year should be no different. As we’ve passed levies our schools have gotten measurably better. Two successive superintendents have brought smart, energetic leadership that has resulted in higher student achievement and more options for students and families.

Critics complain about lack of transparency. Really? Take a look at the district website. They accuse some district staff members and teachers of writing pro-levy letters out of “self-interest.” Oh, please. How many of the critics have been in the schools to see the amazing things that happen in a classroom full of students? I know teachers and staff and know that their primary interest is student learning. Period.

I read in one letter about “government-run” schools. Ridiculous. That’s tired rhetoric from the anti-public school movement and couldn’t be further from the truth. Our schools are run by a board of locally elected, unpaid citizens who hire the best superintendent they can find and work with that person to make decisions in the best interest of students and families.

Pay no attention to all the fuss.

Vote yes on March 14.

MINDY CAMERON

Sagle