Opinion - Levy approval essential to Colfax schools

The Colfax School District levy is again in front of the voter. The first version was rejected by voters in February.

This second effort addresses some of the complaints that prompted its rejection in the first place. The amount of money being requested has been cut, and it is now virtually the same as the levies approved in the past.

Support of this levy request is essential to the district and the functioning of the schools. The levy revenues pay for a variety of school programs and services. Not enough financing comes from the state to completely fund the schools and their operations. Thus, for years, local voters have been asked to give local financial support.

And, for years they have.

Should this second levy fail, plans would have to be made to gut the staffing and services of the district. The cuts would be Draconian and would affect all aspects of the school system.

The February levy request brought to the surface some concerns about the schools. These concerns are on record, and it is promised that they will be addressed.

The first step, however, is getting the district the funding it needs to continue to operate as most patrons and taxpayers expect it to operate. That means voter approval of the levy.

The levy is essential for the continued operation of the schools at their present level. After that, the variety of questions and concerns can be approached. Community interest and involvement was high as the February levy failure was discussed and debated. The increased involvement will surely continue as many of the issues brought out will be revisited.

Ballots for the levy must be postmarked by next Tuesday, April 27.

Traditionally, Colfax voters have supported the schools without question and without fail. This school levy proposal deserves that same support.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher