Approve the bond, Aug. 27

August 27th is a special election day for the Kellogg Joint School District’s facilities bond.

As I mentioned last May, I have spoken with members of the facilities planning committee, which was made up of a diverse group of local citizens. I have also spoken with our school district superintendent, Nancy Larsen. The committee spent a significant amount of time considering and identifying high priority needs for our facilities in the district.

The highest priority issues the bond will address are safety and security improvements for our students at each school. Safe drinking water lines, secure main entrances, fire suppression and safety, and heating/cooling/ventilation systems are just a few projects recommended by the committee for improvement. It is important to understand that the recommendations are not luxury or aesthetic improvements, but necessary repairs and maintenance issues. Fixing many of these issues now will save the School District money over the long run, which saves taxpayers money too. When our students have a safe and updated learning environment, they have an advantage to be successful in their learning productivity.

Successful schools are a foundation of our community’s success because there is a direct link between our local economy and good schools. Businesses and potential community investors are encouraged when communities invest in their schools. Approving this bond will provide the greatest potential for our students’ success, business opportunities, strong commerce, and keeping our families right here in the Silver Valley.

Many of you have already invested in our community by enabling us to complete millions of dollars’ worth of sewer and water improvements, and I am grateful for your support and patience during these years of construction. Let’s consider our schools for investment and improvement too.

Mac Pooler,

Kellogg