Students are more than levy money, test scores

It's sad to read letters suggesting that West Bonner School District’s levy should not pass. There is so much misinformation.

The latest by Dennis Wilson saying, “WBCSD teachers already make far more than the school districts around them.” Here are the starting salaries for teachers right out of college Mr. Wilson: Lake Pend Oreille School District, $43,955; Boundary County School District, $41,000; West Bonner County School District, $40,742; and Newport School District (five miles away), $48,120.

WBCSD loses teachers to Newport all the time. Please realize that test scores are just one measure of success on a given day. There are many high achieving, hard-working, talented students (and teachers) in WBCSD. Recently six students from Priest River Lamanna High School were honored at The Idaho Top Scholars Program at NIC for being in the top 10% of all juniors in Region 1 high schools. Anyone read about that?

If Mr. Wilson thinks teaching in WBCSD (or anywhere) is such a “good gig,” then why are Idaho schools struggling to fill teacher vacancies? Idaho ranks last in education spending and our legislators proposed school voucher bills this year that would have lessened public education funding. Some people want cuts. Next year, a four-day school week and talk of selling the junior high. Moving junior high students to portables in the high school's parking lot is not safe or conducive to academic success.

Have a heart people. Students are not just levy money and test scores, they are our children, grandchildren and future productive community members. Support them and vote yes on the levy.

PAM DUQUETTE

Sandpoint