LEVY: Local $$, local control
Idaho law requires our local school district to seek a levy to fund essential programs and services. State law also requires that this levy be approved only for two years and then it expires. The district is therefore in the tough position of asking the local voters to support another two years of a levy to fund programs and services. This allows for local control of our education dollars and prevents out of control spending. This process is not ideal but it is what we have today.
The levy we will be voting on includes funding 21 percent of the operating budget plus an additional $1.4 million dollars to improve safety and security for all of our school buildings. There will be a slight uptick in tax rates in Year 1 that pays for the added security measures. In Year 2, the levy amount returns to the current rate we have been paying.
Our levy dollars support many things and this levy needs your YES! vote. If you support School Resource Officers in our schools, or utilized the bus services, or appreciate our stellar athletic programs — please consider voting YES! If you feel that it is important to have a vibrant educational community that offers academic support for gifted students, added support for struggling students so they don’t fall behind, or if you believe that a child’s education should also include the arts like music or drama — then you should consider voting YES!
We often hear the old saying, “It’s for the kids!” If you are like me, that saying is worn out. I view this levy as for the community. Supporting educational programs and services helps keep our community thriving in a struggling economy. It is one thing we can do to help make this area attractive to potential employers as well as give our children opportunities in life. Our district provides an excellent education to our children within the parameters they operate. We outperform the state in many areas. The efforts can be seen in the evidence that we have more 5-Star schools in our district than any other district in the state. A YES! vote is absolutely critical for our community. Please join me in voting YES!
CHRISTA HAZEL
Coeur d’Alene