It is hard to believe that we are in the third quarter of 2014. In just three months, we will be looking at another year. As we approach 2015 ó amidst such turmoil in this world ó I have been thinking about one of the most important aspects of community, whether that community is local, national or international. In my mind, it is education, which is the most viable tool we have to create a better world.Education breeds awareness and understanding of things like science, humanities, government, religions, the arts, culture, languages, diversity among people and the need for creative solutions.My youngest daughter is graduating from college this spring. All three of my girls will have graduated from college, and John and I are very proud of their accomplishments. But college isnít everything to everyone. If they would have decided to pursue technical or vocational education, they would certainly have had our blessing. Many high school graduates have different ideas of what they want to do in life, and that is where undergraduate education comes in to play. Never before has it been so vital to ìcommunityî that we ensure our future generations have the best undergrad education possible.This is the reason we are advocating and supporting School District 49ís ballot measure 3B asking for a bond increase of $107.4 million. At a cost of just $1 per month per $100,000 of home value, it is a small price to pay for our future, which is inarguably influenced by an educated society.Also on the ballot is 3A, which authorizes the continuance of the existing mill levy override of $7.5 million annually for the operational budget in D 49. The authorization will help draw and retain the best teachers, offer free college credit classes to students, provide more vocational training and professional certifications, enhance technology and repay construction costs approved in the 2005 election.D 49 is one of the fastest growing school districts in Colorado, and the second-lowest for school funding in the state. 2005 was the last year the district received new funding for school construction. At that time, there were 10,680 students in the district. In October 2013, there were 18,880 students in D 49, according to the Colorado Department of Education ó an increase of more than 76 percent in nine years.Overcrowded classrooms stifle the education process for everyone, from teachers to students to administration to parents to the community. The district will use the money efficiently to renovate existing buildings, build three new schools and enhance district-wide security, which is, as we all know, critical to a safe learning environment. John and I have no more PTA, school programs, teacher conferences, etc. to deal with, but that doesnít mean we stop supporting our school districts. I want my children and my grandchildren to live in an educated society for the betterment of all of us. Plus, a great school system is a boon to businesses and residents. Who wants to live or move to an area with a second-rate school district.Education ó from pre-school to 12th grade ó is the backbone of anyoneís future. We have to believe it begins and ends there because, even if you pressure your child to go to college, you have very little control over their decisions. But from birth to 12th grade, we do have control ó and we need to support our school system so our kids have an educational cornerstone to make all the right decisions.On that note, we will put this edition of the NFH to bed, and I will resume all of the hustle and bustle leading up to my second daughterís (Jill) wedding, which is the day after the October issue is on the stands! She is marrying a wonderful man, Mark. Jill chose wisely, and that decision is born out of love and knowledge, which is garnered from what else ó education!One more thing: Many of you will notice that Kathy Hareís column, the always-popular book review, is not in this month. Kathy had a family emergency and was unable to complete her review. Thankfully, her son (who was in a serious work-related accident) will fully recover.Have a great October. See you in November.-Michelle
