LEVY: The cost of inefficiencies

Coeur d’Alene School District spends 92 percent of its budget for salaries with more than 50 percent support staff, so is seeking levies totalling $2.39 per $1,000 of home valuation.

Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy is the No. 1 high school in Idaho and in the top 60 in the nation, pays competitive teacher salaries, has small classes, spends 26 percent of its budget on support services and operates with state money, no levies.

We are proud of the quality buildings and teachers our district has. Why can’t we operate more efficiently?

Average home value in Dalton Gardens is $353,110, less $89,580 exemption yields total levies of $629 per year, $6,290 in 10 years … more in Coeur d’Alene and Hayden. Every business pays too, raising prices on everything we buy.

Tour our schools and be proud! Let’s NOT perpetuate the inefficient spending and BALANCE the budget. Stop yearly raiding of our homes and raising prices on everything we buy!

JOHN RUBERT

Hayden