In this contentious election, there is one thing we all agree on: our kids deserve good schools.

We know small classes, especially in the early grades, lead to a better start for our kids. However, you can’t have smaller class sizes without more room to put them in. The problem is Auburn has been growing and so has the school population, but many of our elementary schools are old and overcrowded.

The bond issue on the Nov. 8 ballot will replace six old schools and build two new ones to provide more classroom space, modernize learning facilities and improve safety.

Some people, like us, who do not now have family members of school age think that they don’t have to support schools any more. That’s not true. Here’s why. Having excellent schools keeps home prices up and crime rates down. Students who get a good start are less likely to drop out later. People without a high school diploma often end up needing welfare and low-income benefits most of their lives. Some also turn to crime. Paying for excellent schools is much cheaper than paying for more programs to help the poor and to fight crime.

Remember, anyone 61 or older or 100 percent disabled from work of any age may be exempt from voted levies and bonds.

Vote yes for schools on Nov.8. Our kids deserve safe buildings that can provide smaller class sizes.

– Ken and Fern Valentine