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These are fearful times. I try not to fear, but honestly, I am afraid. I am afraid that today’s voters have fallen under the spell of apathy or anti-government. I am afraid that community members have lost sight of how our quality district depends on the long-standing LPOSD supplemental levy or have confused it with the facilities levy.

Will voters use their vote as a way to express their global frustration with things that are out of their control? We all feel minuscule in terms of world affairs. And yet, your vote is powerful. And your vote has voice in the outcome of the March 14 LPOSD supplemental levy. We will see and experience the impact of your vote.

Should the levy fail, the pink slips will prevail. All the awesome young talented teachers will look elsewhere. Voters will awaken as they experience larger class sizes, fewer elective opportunities and school consolidations. Then … there will be a cry for another chance to vote.

Voters may not realize there is a national teacher shortage from years of cutbacks and layoffs. Other districts will snatch up our talent. Neighboring states pay much more than Idaho.

Even if another levy passes, those teachers will be gone — their talent, the very talent that LPOSD has already invested in — will be gone.

I know the good citizens of Bonner County will vote yes on the levy. My question for you —will you vote yes before it’s too late?

JACQUE JOHNSON

Sagle