Kalispell is going great places and we need to make sure we have what it takes as a community for that to continue. There are many things we can do to build our community. We need infrastructure, economic development, and a well-paid workforce.
How do we decide on priorities? Is there a single area we can invest in to help us get there? Would you consider for a moment that investing in our children is a move toward a healthy economy and strong community? Research does show that education is closely tied to a strong economy.
In fact, there is a good possibility that voting in favor of the bond measures for School District 5 is an effective short-term and long-term strategy to ensure our community continues to thrive.
People considering jobs in our community routinely look to see what kind of education we can provide for their children. They want to know that their children are getting the tools they need to succeed in the future. We know that children who are engaged in their education and extra-curricular activities are more likely to stay in school and make positive choices. These children are more likely to pursue higher education and obtain higher paying jobs, becoming future community members who can contribute more and not drain public resources.
Our schools are suffering from overcrowding and need our support to continue providing an excellent education for our children. It is important for our teachers and schools to have the tools they need to provide this excellent education. Supporting our schools is both patriotic and smart.
Jesse Mahugh
Kalispell