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The first questions I am asked when discussing my support of school bond issues 3C and 3D are, "What will it cost me?" and "What's in it for me?" The first question is a great one and can be quantified easily, as I will explain later. The second question also can be addressed with several key points.

When making an investment in a business enterprise, "What will it cost me?" is only one of the factors in making the decision. Every investment requires a capital outlay or cost. Basing your decision only on the cost will result in a short-sighted decision. An investor obviously needs to know the cost, but they are more interested in the bottom line. They ultimately want to know, "What is the return on the investment?" Our school system is an enterprise in the business of educating our children. Making the investment in improved facilities and providing funds to maintain quality staffing will yield excellent returns on investment.

Quality education is sometimes a difficult subject to quantify. You can use factors such as graduation rates, CSAP scores and other quantifiable data, however, I would argue as a parent that the ultimate measure of success is determined by answering the following: Is my child gaining the knowledge, skills and confidence to make sound, independent decisions now and in the future?

This can only be accomplished if we provide excellent learning environments and excellent teachers for our children today and in the future. This investment in our children's future will provide a positive return on our investment over time.

Now to answer, "What does is cost?" The simple answer is about $8 a month for a home valued at $450,000. To determine the cost for your property, visit www.sssd.k12.co.us and plug in the market value of your property.

For those of you still wanting to know, "What's in it for me?" here are several factors to consider:

n Quality schools maintain and improve property values. One of the first questions a real estate buyer asks is, "Are there quality schools?" Quality schools create demand for real estate.

n Capital improvements maintain and improve property values. Just as you make improvements and remodel your home, the schools would like to replace the 50-year-old Soda Creek facility and update the 24-year-old Strawberry Park Elementary School. Schools are important infrastructure in our communities, as are other public facilities. This improved neighborhood infrastructure will result in improved property values.

Make the investment. Vote "yes" for Steamboat schools.

Scott B. Gordon, Steamboat Springs