To the editor:

The citizens of Sidney will once again have an opportunity to pass or defeat the upcoming Permanent Improvement (PI) levy for Sidney City Schools. Different from past levies, the monies generated will be used for building maintenance, buses, textbooks, and technology. These are not extras that may benefit select students. These items are necessities for the student body as a whole. Our children go to school every day and do their best to do what is expected of them … learn. All they ask in return is that the environment allow them that opportunity. Many of our schools are in need of basic maintenance, from heating and cooling systems to roof repair. As everyone who owns property knows, money must be spent for it to remain functional. That money, in this case, will be generated by the Permanent Improvement levy. A taxpayer can expect to pay $105 per year for every $100,000 of property valuation. That breaks down to $8.75 per month.

Having the power to decide the fate of 3,500 students should not be taken lightly. We are being asked to provide something as basic as a safe and effective learning environment, safe transportation and current educational materials and technology. To me the answer is simple. Yes, I want those things for every child attending Sidney City Schools … yours and mine. Please join me in supporting the Permanent Improvement levy and send the message to our children that their educational experience is a top priority in Sidney.

Thank you,

Lori Humphrey

Sidney