Support for Polson schools levy

I have been a member of the Polson community for over 40 years and over those years have been impressed by the positive support shown for our school system during that time.

When I came to Polson as a teacher in 1976 our high school building was just two years old, the old high school was our middle school, the Lincoln building still stood, and Cherry Valley was a relatively new elementary school.

The Polson school system was recognized in our area and throughout the state as one of the best.

Times were different then and things have changed in our country since then.

Fire drills and earthquake drills were held several times each year but not once did I participate in an active shooters drill

during most of my 37-year tenure in the district.

Our schools were designed with little thought of what we are experiencing in our country these days. I have grandchildren in

schools in the district now and would like to feel that they are as safe as possible when attending our schools.

If for no other reason than safety concerns, I am supporting the bond issues at the elementary and high school on the Dec. 3 ballot as the new design has addressed these needs.

While there are no guarantees of 100% safe schools, I believe that we should be doing as much as we possibly can in this area and God forbid we ever experience anything like what others have experienced in recent years in this country.

In the design plan, there are many more benefits to the children and our community than just safer facilities. The many improvements that are being proposed in the new and remodeled buildings will improve the physical environment and educational opportunities afforded to our children and our teachers and support system personnel.

The new event center being proposed has the potential to be a benefit to all who live in Polson and the surrounding area and should be a direct benefit to our business community.

All the proposed changes and building proposals can be reviewed by going to the district website at https://www.polson.k12.mt.us/ and selecting “December 2019 Bond Information.”

I encourage anyone who has not yet voted the mailed ballot to visit this site and read about what would be accomplished if the bonds were passed.

Polson has always supported our schools and the children that attend them.

- Bob Gunderson