Vote for bond

As one drives through small towns in the state of Montana, generally the most prominent and centrally-located building is the public school. This building was usually constructed of brick or some other expensive, sturdy building material to indicate the permanency and importance of the building.

As towns developed in the West and became incorporated or reached a population that would sustain a school, the building was erected with a great deal of pride and fanfare. The school became the very hub of the town's social network and served many generations of residents.

Central School in White-fish is such a place, and when plans were made to relocate and sell the building, our local citizens rallied to preserve this important structure.

Soon we will be asked to approve a $21.5 million bond to renovate Whitefish High School. It was built in 1954 to accommodate 400 students and is too small, has no lunchroom, outdated electrical circuitry and is a real booger to heat. Throw in the added peril of lack of sprinklers and smoke detectors and one quickly realizes we have strayed very far from the original intent of providing a quality educational setting for our children.

I hope that the citizens of Whitefish will approve the bond to address the many problems at Whitefish High School. Take the time to attend a public tour to see there are many needs. Our community's children deserve a safe, quality environment that reflects our long tradition of support for education.

Jan Metzmaker

Whitefish