On Aug. 24, 2010, the residents of Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls and Lakeland school districts can provide new opportunities for students. They propose to create a joint vocational training facility, KTEC (Kootenai Technical Education Center), which will provide high school upper classmen with skill training in health occupations, welding, construction and automotive trades. Starting these programs in high school will save about a year's time when coordinated with NIC certification programs.

The job market now requires technical skills beyond standard high school diplomas. Between dropouts and non-college enrollers, 85 percent of other teenagers face a need to have saleable skills to start a career at something above minimum wage.

KTEC would qualify for special vocational funds above the regular school budget apportionment, thus eliminating any need for a special levy above what voters have approved.

Vote YES on Aug. 24.

MICHAEL WARD

Coeur d'Alene