By Carolyn Cook
What a shame the Stevensville and Lone Rock communities have let our children down. I realize no one likes to see their taxes go up, but what better investment is there than the safety and education of our students. They are our future. It’s sad that a high school staff member came out so negative against the high school bond because he wasn’t getting what he wanted. I’m not sure how many voters were influenced by his negativity, but even one would be too many. He let down our students and staff members with his selfishness for his own program and isn’t even a voting member of this community. The Stevensville school administration, school board and community members worked countless hours to educate voters on the needs of the district. There was no reason for anyone to be uninformed unless they chose to do so. If only 10 more people had sent in or dropped off “yes” votes our elementary bond would have passed. I realize the tax increase could be a hardship for some, but perhaps we need to adjust our priorities. Our students today not only need a good education but a safe environment in which to learn. We never were concerned for our safety at school when I was a child, but times sadly have changed and that now has become a necessary priority for schools. If we have another opportunity to vote on a Stevensville school bond, please put the needs and safety of our children first and vote yes.