Levy benefits best, brightest
Coeur d’Alene School District 271 is asking for our support by reauthorizing the supplemental levy on April 21. I echo that request with particular emphasis on its need to continue many of our Advanced Learning Programs (ALP).
ALP keeps our best and brightest students challenged with rigorous content in core subjects as well as the sciences, economics and history. Perhaps you think advanced learners represent only a few of our district’s students. If so, you are incorrect. Almost half of the student body at our two largest high schools take at least one advanced course each semester. Our district also provides many ALP opportunities in our middle and grade schools. In other words, the “best and brightest” label applies wide and deep.
Nothing could be more critical than providing meaningful pathways for high academic achievers from those “tweener” years in middle school through high school. This year’s supplemental levy request is $1 million lower than two years ago. While the cuts will be painful for all of us, it is crucial that you vote yes and keep our community’s “best and brightest” ready to take on tomorrow’s challenges, for all of us.
Paul A. Klatt
Coeur d’Alene