Lakeland, St. Maries school levy votes today

Polls are open today in the Lakeland and St. Maries school districts on proposed supplemental levies.

Officials in both districts say further cuts will need to be made even if the levies pass due to the budget ax from the state.

The proposed Lakeland levy - $3.25 million per year for two years - would increase taxes by about $48 per year for those who own a home valued at $180,000.

St. Maries voters will consider a one-year $850,000 levy that would increase taxes $125.88 for those who own a $150,000 home.

A simple majority vote is needed for the levies to pass.

Lakeland salaries and benefits will be cut by $850,000 even if voters approve the levy, district officials said. The levy would allow the district to continue existing programs and reinstate previous cuts to libraries and textbook purchases.

The district does not plan to refill positions due to attrition and no new programs are planned.

Lakeland's current levy that's expiring is $1.95 million a year for two years. Prior to that passing, the last time the district asked voters to approve such a levy was in 2001.

Lakeland polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m. at all of the district's elementary schools, the Bayview Community Center and the Hauser fire station.

The St. Maries measure will help plug a $1.37 million budget shortfall anticipated for next year.

But even if the levy passes, an additional $520,000 will still need to be slashed due to decreased enrollment and funding, district officials said.

The district's state revenues will drop 12.4 percent next year, a combination of the 8.5 percent cut in state education funding ordered by the Legislature, and a 3.9 percent reduction due to declining enrollment.

Salaries, benefits and extracurricular activities are on the table to be considered for possible reductions. District administrators have already volunteered to reduce their contracts for next year by 6.5 percent, reflecting a $22,000 reduction.

Maintaining instructional time for the district's 1,028 students is the trustees' highest priority, district officials said.

The levy will support replacing old and outdated student textbooks, outdated student computers, a school bus, needed maintenance of school buildings and facilities and academic programs and student activities.

In the last three years, the district has seen reductions of more than $1 million.

Polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m. at the Benewah County Courthouse, Benewah Community Center, UpRiver School, Emida Community Center and Federal Building conference room.