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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

It’s Past Time To Do Our Part

Paul Sievers Special To Opinion

I’m an optimist. Surely, the local school bond issue will pass this time.

After all, somebody paid for my education when I attended a one-room schoolhouse nearby. I, and nameless others, paid for my five children’s education. Why shouldn’t I support future generations?

How much simpler can it get?

In May, patrons of the Liberty School District will be asked to pass a school bond. The school district encompasses part of southern Spokane County, Spangle, Fairfield, Waverly and Plaza. As in most areas in Eastern Washington, new families continue to move into the district. Our school buildings are stretched to their limits and beyond.

The high school science lab is horribly outdated. Forget the computer lab - there isn’t one. Liberty’s music program, considered one of the best in the region, works out of a room that is too small, too noisy and a hazard to the children’s hearing.

The elementary-junior high building is much too crowded. The library had to be cut in half to create another classroom. Special-ed classes are held in storage closets. A janitor’s closet is being used as a science room. There is no space for indoor recess. The gymnasium is too small to meet PE requirements. Again, there is no computer lab.

The sewage treatment system was designed to serve 300. It presently serves more than 700. Regardless of the outcome on the bond issue, the system must be updated. But where do we get the money?

I hate to think of the ramifications if the bond isn’t passed. With each failure, time is wasted in serving the children. The price of construction and remodeling will continue to rise.

When my wife, Louise, and I were raising our kids, the whole community helped. When it was time for a new football field, local farmers and their kids created the space with their bulldozers and trucks. After serving 16 years on the school board, I witnessed firsthand the willingness of folks to meet the educational needs of the children.

My stint in the military taught me to appreciate our freedom and what the flag stands for - including quality public service. I’ve voted in every election since I was able to vote and I’ve never, ever voted against an issue that concerns the education of our kids. I hope you will do the same.

MEMO: Your Turn is a feature of the Wednesday and Saturday Opinion pages. To submit a Your Turn column for consideration, contact Rebecca Nappi at 459-5496 or Doug Floyd at 459-5466 or write Your Turn, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615.

Your Turn is a feature of the Wednesday and Saturday Opinion pages. To submit a Your Turn column for consideration, contact Rebecca Nappi at 459-5496 or Doug Floyd at 459-5466 or write Your Turn, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615.