Support levies to keep schools safe

The Inter Lake has a tradition of supporting education in the Flathead Valley. We also recognize that the real support has to come in the form of community investment in the future of our students.

This year, two school districts have proposed levies. 

The Whitefish Elementary District is seeking $36,000 to cover some day-to-day expenses. The cost to homeowners in the district will only be an additional $1.86 in property taxes for a $200,000 home. We certainly expect that modest levy to pass easily.

The Somers-Lakeside elementary district is somewhat more — $185,000 to cover urgent needs such as removing asbestos-containing tiles and walls, upgrading outdated plumbing and electrical fixtures, and replacing or repairing a freezer that has the potential to result in spoiled food and sickened children.

It’s not much to ask. Indeed, it only would result in a $19.09 annual increase in taxes for that same hypothetical home worth $200,000. That’s less than $2 a month to ensure that children are safe and sound in public schools.

What’s astounding in this day and age of entitlements and huge expenditures is that Somers-Lakeside voters have not approved a levy since 2006. If taxpayers want to put an end to wasteful spending, we encourage them to look to Helena and Washington, D.C., and not make a political statement by skimping on vital expenditures that will benefit hundreds of local students.

Boyle’s legacy honored

The softball field at Conrad Complex was a fitting place Tuesday to honor Gene Boyle.

It was there that Boyle’s Flathead Bravettes won the state championship in Class AA softball in 2003.

Now, after a touching ceremony for the ailing Boyle, the field will be known as Barb and Gene Boyle Field.

This is more than a justified honor for Gene in recognition of his decades of duty to youths in this community.

Of course, it would be just as meaningful to honor Gene at Legends Stadium or the Flathead High School gymnasium or the halls of St. Matthew’s School — those were all places he was associated with during his epic career in Kalispell.

More important than the places in Gene’s past, however, are the multitudes of people he touched through his teaching, coaching and administrative work. It is his warm, human touch that has made Gene such a legend in this town and for which he will long be fondly remembered.