Schools play economic role

As a parent of two elementary school students in the Mead School District, I read with interest Sunday’s article, focused on the district’s request that the former Kaiser development not allow children to minimize the impact on our already crowded schools.

My children were moved to a different school two years ago under the boundary revisions necessitated by the massive growth within the Mead district boundaries. Even with this shift, their school is currently more than 100 kids over capacity.

We also know that the newly built Prairie View is over capacity as well, and the voters rejected a proposal to add portables to that new school site.

Additionally, a large apartment complex going in on the ridge overlooking my neighborhood will no doubt add even more students. Simply put, Mead does not have the room nor the funding to accommodate an additional influx of students.

I concur with County Commissioner Mark Richard that nurturing economic development is a priority. I would argue, however, that providing high-quality education is the best economic development strategy, and I would encourage our commissioners to strongly consider the impact of their growth decisions on our already-stretched schools.

Erica Hallock

Spokane