Virginia Rebar, who took over as superintendent of SAD 13 a year ago, has repeatedly exhibited the qualities of integrity, honesty, truthfulness and transparency. More than once, she has brought to the forefront matters, which, in my opinion, should have been exposed long before.

Rebar has worked diligently to maintain a respectable level of educational services in our small district, while keeping a tight reign on spending. Many handicaps are forced on the taxpayers of small financially crippled towns.

I believe we will be better off, thanks to two laws, which were passed recently, and for Rebar’s diligent work to get our district on the right track for the future.

One law does away with penalty fees of $47,000 for 2012-13. The second law changes the state financial formula to help small towns with very small school districts. I believe the work Rebar is doing is to get us started on a long-range plan to enable us to make informed decisions for the future education of our students.

Difficult decisions require the townspeople and the school district to work together. Communication, understanding and compromise are vital if we are to secure SAD 13’s future education. This fall we may have one, two or even three round-table discussions. People who want to be heard should attend the upcoming meetings.

The Joint District Budget meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Quimby Gymnasium for Bingham and Moscow businesses and property owners.

Bingham and Moscow vote on the school budget in their respective towns on Aug. 2. On that day, each and every vote is private, and that is democracy in the truest sense of the word.

Essie Golden

Bingham