Dear Editor,

The way in which a community chooses to support its public schools is an indication of the value it places on its own future. Our children are our future. We have shown that we value building new buildings; now it is time to support what’s inside those buildings: our kids.

The impact of the proposed mill levy override in Garfield Re-2 will be a cost of $34 per $100,000 evaluation. It’s really not about the money; it’s about providing our kids with the resources they need to learn and build for themselves a great future. It makes sense to ensure that our kids have the best teachers, transportation, technology, and programs available. Nice facilities don’t make great schools. Great schools come from communities that recognize that providing our children with quality education is their No. 1 priority.

What will happen without the mill levy? Good teachers will leave and go where they can make more money. New teachers will not want to come because of higher salaries elsewhere and a salary freeze that amounts to a guaranteed pay cut. Programs that are not part of the core curriculum will be cut or eliminated. Student fees for activities and some services will become a reality. Our community will not be able to attract businesses to help spur the local economy because we don’t provide the resources for good schools for their employees.

Please support the mill levy override. It’s about our kids, our communities, and our future.

Danny Gentry

Silt