Bayfield is a town that takes pride in its schools and the students. Home football games pack the stadiums, bringing people of all ages together to support one goal, Bayfield kids (and, of course, football).

All three of my children have gone through the Bayfield school system and I am thrilled with the support, education and caring they received from the staff. My children are long gone from Bayfield, but I believe there is nothing more important than supporting our local schools and the bond issue that is on the November ballot.

Through hard work and dedication, our staff was able to secure an $8.5 million grant that could go towards building the new elementary school that would house third-, fourth- and fifth-graders and to renovate and update the existing elementary school to house kindergarten to second-graders. This is a use it or lose it grant.

To me this vote is a no-brainer. Bayfield will continue to grow and space for classrooms is desperately needed (many children are currently housed in modulars). If we don’t pass the bond this year, building costs will only go up, plus, we have a real chance of not being awarded the $8.5 million dollar grant again.

I served on the Bayfield school board for 10 years, and this bond has been discussed for the last decade. Asking our neighbors to pay more for taxes is never easy and would not be done if not needed.

This is an issue that should not polarize our community, but rather bring it together, showing the students of Bayfield that we are willing to pay for their safety and to help prepare them for the future. We have always been a district that cares and is willing to dig deep to support our kids. Please vote yes on 3B in November.

If you would like more information please visit the district’s website at www.bayfield.k12.co.us.

Robin Duffy-Wirth

Bayfield