SCHOOLS: Core of support

I have spent a lifetime working and paying taxes, trying to ensure that in my last years I won’t be a burden to anybody. I am on a fixed income. Luckily, my “finite apple” (retirement income) is larger than some but not as large as many others. Then, along comes the public school district that asks for more every two years taking a bite out of my apple. And then the city, the county and North Idaho College raise or can raise taxes without my vote because, by law, they can! In addition, as the result of new requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency and the need to fix an aging system, my monthly payments for sewer in the Hayden Lake Recreation Water and Sewer District will be increasing 46 percent per month in 2018! (I need a bigger apple!)

However, the only tax I can vote on is the school bond or levy or M and O… whatever is needed at the time.

I did my homework. In 2006, the Idaho Legislature slashed $260 million from property taxes trying to avert a property tax revolt. That money came from the public schools budget. A hole they continue to crawl out from. To make up for the lack of funding they must run “supplemental levies” every two years. And because the state does not provide funding for building new schools, the district must run bonds if new schools are to be built.

School District No. 271 has been very judicious with their finances. Please, take the time to look around at the new schools and those that have been remodeled with taxpayer dollars secured by previous bonds and levies. They are beautiful! However, like it or not our area has been discovered and as we grow so does the need for more classrooms and the continual maintenance of existing facilities.

On March 14, our community will be asked to support a $35.5 million bond (over 15 years) and a two-year $16 million/year supplemental levy. The passage of both the levy and the bond WILL NOT INCREASE OUR TAX RATE! (For more information on the bond/levy go to cdaschools.org.)

Both of our children attended Coeur d’Alene schools. Our two grandchildren currently attend Coeur d’Alene schools. I am thankful to live in such a beautiful, supportive community. Yes, my apple continues to sustain many bites. Yes, I am frustrated like many seniors regarding the laws/policies that negatively affect us. And YES, I will vote YES twice on March 14. One vote supporting my grandchildren and the other supporting the other kids who deserve a quality education in quality schools. No is not an option.

I have come to the realization that without public education, I probably wouldn’t even have a “finite apple!” Future generations depend on our leadership. Whether you have a small apple, a large apple or no apple at all, the message seniors should be sending to our youth is that they matter! After all, who will be taking care of us in the years ahead?

STEVE CASEY

Hayden