Time to invest in our students, community

We made it 7 miles out of town on our trip after Christmas when the transmission went out on the car. The aging car has served us well, but it simply is time to upgrade to a newer, more dependable model. The house needs some repairs as well.

This will add to the other monthly expenses cutting into our budget. Having no car or house payments for a while has been nice and we certainly aren’t excited about the added monthly costs, but after doing our best to maintain our vehicles and house for a few years, it simply is time to make the investment.

On Feb. 9, the Ritzville School District will be asking voters to do the same thing…invest in our school facilities that simply must be updated. Make no mistake, I’m not crazy about added taxes. If my calculations are close, this bond passing would mean paying about an extra $24 per month, but we have always believed that our students, our school and this community are well worth the investment.

Karen and I will find the extra $24 in our budget so we can have a great school for kids and one of which our community will be proud.

Few could argue that it is time for updates to our facilities. Roofs, doors, locks, windows, soffits, HVAC, technology, parking lots, playground equipment, sprinkler systems, etc. simply are wearing out.

However, I know some folks don’t think we need a second gymnasium. I can tell you that in no way is the goal of a second gymnasium to improve the basketball programs or place more emphasis on athletics. We badly need a second gym so our student-athletes don’t have to have late practices that keep them from getting home until 8:00 or 8:30 p.m. This is unhealthy for kids and families.

A multipurpose space would help our elementary PE classes so they are safe and not forced to have PE in a classroom because the grade school gym is being used. Our youth programs would have more access to a practice and game facility making life much easier on parents and grandparents.

One must keep in mind that the gym being proposed is neither large nor fancy. It will serve as a simple, safe PE space and basic practice facility. The district would not ask for an auxiliary gym if it wasn’t great for kids.

Finally, our district is eligible for state matching funds so that we could have a $17.5 million project constructed for $12.8 million. That is a great value for our citizens.

I do understand, as is the case in our household, that the added tax burden will be felt by many. However, our kids are worth it so please join Karen and me in voting “YES” for the Ritzville School District Capital Project. Not only is this important for our kids, but it also will help keep Ritzville moving on a progressive path.

Greg Whitmore, Ritzville