It’s time for Bainbridge Island to make a major investment in its future.

Officials with the Bainbridge Island School District are grappling with yet another tough budget. An early estimate indicates a budget shortfall of $1.4 million in the budget for the coming school year, and in the weeks and months to come, tough choices will have to made on how to bridge the divide.

The budget gap — caused by declining enrollment, rising costs and other factors — shouldn’t be closed by mere cuts alone.

Like other school districts across the state, Bainbridge’s financial footing has been shaken by the sour economy and declining state funding in recent years.

Thankfully, the Bainbridge Schools Foundation has stepped up its efforts and has provided crucial dollars that have helped pay for teachers’ salaries, materials, programs and other efforts to buttress public education on the island.

And this is where the “investment” piece comes in.

The foundation will hold its annual spring breakfast on Thursday, April 19 at Wing Point Golf & Country Club, and the fundraiser will help provide vital support to Bainbridge schools.

While there is no charge for tickets, donations will be collected during the breakfast and a minimum gift of $100 per person is suggested.

Reservations can be made at www.bsfspringbreakfast.eventbrite.com, but people need not attend the breakfast to make a gift that can better a child’s education and the future of the community. Please call 206-855-0530, email bsf@bainbridgeschoolsfoundation.org or visit www.bainbridgeschoolsfoundation.com to help.