Next Tuesday, the voters in America will decide who will be our next president. In Louisiana, we will choose the person to represent us in the U.S. Senate. Some areas of the state will elect their next congressman. In St. John Parish, we will vote, also, on seven Constitutional Amendments and a Public Service Commissioner.

The last two items on the voting machine are most important to our public school system. Proposition No. 1 and Proposition No. 2 will not increase taxes, but are a renewal of a 39.83 mills school tax.

Proposition No. 1

Proposition No. 1 calls for the rededication of an existing 8 mills to fund retiree health benefits, employee salaries, and academic improvements at all schools.

Proposition No. 2

Proposition No. 2 will give authority to the school system to borrow $46 million to pay for school repairs, improvements and construction projects over a five-year period.

I am voting for both propositions and encourage each voter to consider the benefits to our community.

I’ve heard people who are private school supporters remark that public education is the least of their concerns. I differ with that attitude, because I think most people agree that a healthy public school system is beneficial to all.

I ask that all registered voters exercise their rights Tuesday and consider the importance of approving the School Board’s propositions. All of our children deserve the best. Let’s unselfishly support the parents and their children who choose public education.

Most of us will agree that, next to the values instilled by the family, the quality of the education received by our children is the most important prediction of their future success, and their success will, in turn, define the future of our community. The better our schools are, the brighter our future will be.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.