LEVY: Armed with information

I attended a meeting at my children's elementary school and was interested to learn a few things about the upcoming school levy that I would like to share. The vote for this levy will be Tuesday, March 8.

There are going to be two options on the ballot; the first to approve a replacement levy and the second seeking a supplemental award. The passing of both of these options is essential for our local district. The schools in our area are being managed by people who understand the current financial strain that we are all facing. The local district has cut budgets, just as our families have, while dealing with the elevated costs of keeping the lights on. They have also struggled through cuts in grants formerly available from the state.

Even if the two levy options are passed, several positions will be eliminated in the next year or so. I do not believe that the levy amounts are in any way excessive.

Approval of both levies will result in an average increase of $68 per year for homeowners like me, an investment that I believe is well worth the cost. I hope that the voters of Coeur d'Alene will be sure to inform themselves about the facts behind this levy, and they will come to the same conclusions that I have.

SARAH HEATON

Coeur d'Alene