The next big local election

When next March rolls around, daily life, spring dreams and college hoops may be competing for your attention.

Add an important March item to the agenda: Your public schools will be asking for help.

March will see school districts seeking taxpayers’ assistance with ongoing operational costs or capital projects of various kinds — or both. Don’t say it’s a surprise, because the districts are doing their best right now to let you know what may be coming your way.

Coeur d’Alene School District, with more than 10,000 students, is hosting a “community conversation” tonight from 5 to 7:30 at Coeur d’Alene High School. The same opportunity will take place in two weeks at Lake City High School.

Starting with informal tours of the schools at 5, a brief presentation will be made, followed by small groups talking with school board members. The final 45 minutes will provide more discussion and a summary.

Will these gatherings constitute “sales pitches” for a levy, bond, or both? If giving you more information and being completely willing to hear your concerns constitutes “selling” the proposition, then the answer is “yes.” We also think it would be disingenuous if anyone told you strong public opposition now to a maintenance and operations levy would dissuade the district from asking for at least $15 million a year over the next two years. The fact is, Coeur d’Alene, like every district in the state, is heavily dependent on levies — and it’s not their fault. In 2006, the Idaho Legislature tried to avert a property tax revolt by slashing $260 million in property taxes. That money came from the public school budget. In essence, it created a shift that now forces schools to beg their communities for operating funds every two years.

Believing that the highest quality education we can afford is essential for a productive, healthy Idaho, we encourage citizens to seek out answers to their levy and bond issue questions now, rather than wait until March. The proposals are very much in their formative stages. You have an opportunity to help shape the requests.

For Coeur d’Alene School District patrons, if you can’t attend either of the community conversations, email your thoughts to: info@cdaschools.org

For patrons of other Kootenai County school districts, reach out to your school board members to see what they’re planning for March, and feel free to share your suggestions with them.