Two sides to every story: vote yes for kids
This picture shows the surface of the track falling off and leaving behind rubber pellets, which causes athletes to slip and slide. (Photo submitted by Bill Roche)
I am a retired school teacher who taught in the Whitefish school system for 25 years. I have three children who went through the Whitefish school system and had terrific experiences. Many of us are very proud of the coaches, teachers, administrators, and school board members for the top-notch job they do in leading our schools. It's hurtful when they're attacked. These are all very dedicated people.
This is in response to the recent letter printed in the Whitefish Pilot asking people to vote “no” on the athletic expansion in an effort to punish the school system. The accusations towards Whitefish teachers, administrators, and school board members are very unfair. Furthermore, the school cannot explain their reasoning on decisions that were made due to confidentiality laws. There are always two sides to every story. I would ask voters to see these as separate issues. Voting "no" on the athletic bond punishes 500 students who had nothing to do with this family's anger towards WHS. Our students had nothing to do with that situation and should not be denied an opportunity to play on safe and updated sports facilities.
The track and football stadium are very much in disrepair, as evidenced by the picture attached. This picture shows the surface of the track falling off and leaving behind rubber pellets, which causes our athletes to slip and slide. Our track coaches are on the track with brooms every practice, sweeping these pellets off the track just so students can safely train without an increased chance of injury. Last spring, we were unable to host the Divisional track meet due to the condition of the track. Because of this, we had to host the meet at Columbia Falls Middle School. This was embarrassing for the athletes, coaches, and fans.
In order to repair our track, it would cost upwards of 1 million dollars, regardless of whether this bond passes. We are unable to repair the football stadium because we, as a district, don't own the stadium. Please vote yes for the much-needed academic AND athletic bonds.
— Bill Roche, Whitefish