Lakeland school levy vote is today

RATHDRUM - A $4.795 million supplemental levy for the Lakeland Joint School District goes before voters today.

The levy amount is $4.795 million per year for two years, which is a reduction of $155,000 per year (3.1 percent) from the current levy.

Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. A simple majority vote (50 percent, plus one) is needed for the proposal to pass.

The owner of a $200,000 home would pay $275.23 per year ($22.94 per month) to fund the levy. That would be a reduction of $11.72 per year from the current levy.

The funding is intended to supplement money received from the state and would be spent on programs and supplies throughout the district.

Without the funds, the district would need to cut 20 percent of its General Fund budget. The cuts would mean reducing staff and programs and larger class sizes.

If the levy doesn't pass, the district's first discussion would be whether another levy should be floated in May or August, officials say.

To find your polling place, visit www.kcgov.us/elections/search. Call 687-0431 or email levyquestions@lakeland272.org if you have questions.