Lakeland voters to consider $5.3 million levy

Residents of the Lakeland Joint School District will vote on a $5.3 million supplemental levy measure this March.

Lakeland's Board of Trustees approved the levy measure, which officials say will represent a replacement of the expiring levy, during its regular meeting in December. In a release from the district, officials said the funding, if approved by voters, will support all facets of learning and current programs.

"Passage of this supplemental levy will allow us to maintain our neighborhood schools with the same grade-level alignment and course offerings," the release states. "Additionally, it will help offset decreases in federal funding that support our Special Education and Title programs."

The levy amount of $5.3 million increases the current levy by $505,000.

"For the owner of a $150,000 home, the increase would amount to $12.33 per year, or $1.03 per month, over the current levy," the release states.

A significant portion of the increase, according to the release, would be used to improve school safety measures, including hiring school resource officers in partnership with the city of Rathdrum and the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, reinforcing windows with safety film, enhancing existing emergency response systems and improving student health and safety services, which includes athletic trainers for competitive high school sports.

For more information on the levy, including public presentation times and locations, visit www.lakeland272.org or call (208) 697-0431. Questions can also be submitted to district officials at levyquestions@lakeland272.org.