As I am in the vanguard of the Silver Tsunami (June 1946), I appreciate the excellent story (Herald, Sept. 20) reporting on the impact of the Silver Tsunami on the future of Colorado and La Plata County specifically. That is an important reason why I strongly support Ballot Issue 3A supporting Durango 9-R schools.
Fortunately, when our children were in public schools, other people paid taxes that allowed them to achieve the skills and knowledge to eventually graduate from universities and become tax-paying, productive citizens. Now, I understand it is important for me to recognize that I must continue to step up to pay for other peoples’ children. Admittedly, my motives are somewhat self-serving.
If I live only into my 80s, a real possibility, even children in kindergarten today will be in the workforce in my final years. Students in the 12-year public school pipeline will be the caregivers, builders, electricians, transit drivers, grocers, researchers, inventors and service providers who will make my life sustainable. Regardless of interest or aptitude, college or trade school, all students should have the tools to pursue a vocation with the clear understanding that in the 21st century and beyond, they will be required to be lifelong learners as never before.
Perhaps equally important is that the students of today must be prepared for work in a fast-paced, technologically based global economy to be at least self-sustaining in the future. I rely on them to sustain Social Security, Medicare and all aspects of the national, state and local economy. Surely, it makes sense to make this investment in education for personal, even selfish, reasons, if not for the greater good.
Seventh-graders don’t have time for a re-do. A full day of kindergarten has an impact lasting far beyond primary years. Opportunities to explore a wide range of subjects including the arts allow high school students to be more academically, as well a socially and culturally, prepared to make lifetime career choices.
I urge silver heads to join me in voting for Ballot Issue 3A.
Myriam Palmer
Durango
