New high school isn't a solution

The property tax bill just came in and once again I marveled at how much we pay for education in these parts. At that rate, we should be turning out Rhodes and Fulbright scholars like popcorn at a drive-in.

But in spite of two defeated bond issues, decreasing enrollment, high unemployment and recently defeated high school levies in the Kalispell High School District, the Whitefish School Board persists in the quixotic pursuit of the construction of a new high school by hiring a "project manager" for an unfunded project.

This is the Whitefish version of "Weekend at Bernie's," where two enterprising young fellers take the dead Bernie with them for a weekend romp. This action would be laughable if it weren't such an egregious misuse of public funds.

Someone once facetiously described "idiocy" as "taking the same actions and expecting a different outcome." I might also add "the triumph of hope over reason," such as was evidenced during the Nov. 4, 2008, Presidential election.

There are problems at Whitefish High, I am sure, but the idea that new construction is going to solve them is ludicrous. Working on these immediate concerns must be the priority for the school staff and faculty, the police and parents. They are more fundamental than new construction. Illegal drug use comes to mind. Enforcing a curfew is another. The proliferation of graffiti in our city is another. These are symptomatic of kids who have lost respect for themselves and for others.

If I may make a suggestion to the board, let them spend some of their funds to meet with parents who are sending their children to Glacier High School and other private, religious schools instead of Whitefish High.

It might give them an honest answer to what their real problems are. I suspect not one will say what they want them to: "I took Johnnie out because you don't have a food court."

On the other hand, good kids will always come out of Whitefish High regardless of the physical plant. We see graduates placed in prestigious universities and military academies in each graduating class.

How did they make the grade? The same way people have succeeded over the years — study, hard work and helping others through volunteerism.

My point is this — to focus on the physical environment and pursue what would appear to be fiscally unwise and unattainable deflects from the more important and immediate necessity of providing the help, education and guidance needed to turn out responsible citizens. And that, I would remind the school board, is their mission.

Cy Appel lives in Whitefish.