I am 100 percent behind the upcoming bond for our Coeur d’Alene public schools because:

1) Air quality: My sister-in-law died of carbon monoxide poisoning while sleeping in a hotel room. My daughter will be attending Canfield Middle School this coming year, and air quality issues are not something our kids and teachers should have to face every day.

2) Safety: Things as comfortable as going to a movie theater are now cause for fear thanks to the Aurora, Colo., shooter. Schools with the administrative area well beyond, and some even out of sight of, the school entry present enormous concern for our children and school staff’s safety.

3) Economy: Our school district is a spoke in the wheel of business retention and recruitment. People who own businesses desire a great public school district for their children, not one with major health and safety issues. Retaining current businesses and attracting new businesses to Coeur d’Alene is vital for our economic growth and benefit. If the school district isn’t modernized and upgraded, I worry about the consequences to our local economy.

This bond will not increase taxes. I strongly encourage you to vote yes on Aug. 28.

Eden Irgens

Coeur d’Alene