Lakeland: Levy needed for operations

RATHDRUM — Voters in the Lakeland Joint School District will consider a two-year supplemental levy of $8.99 million per year on March 12, 2019.

If approved, the measure would replace a levy of the same amount that voters approved in 2017.

The proposed levy amount would represent about 25 percent of the district's general fund.

Brian Wallace, the district's finance director, said existing taxes will not increase if the proposal is approved with a simple-majority (50 percent, plus one) vote.

"A reasonable estimate is that the total assessed value of the district will increase 5 percent each year," Wallace said. "If this is the case, then the supplemental levy rate will go down to $2.71 (per $1,000 per taxable value) in 2020 and $2.58 in 2021.”

The current rate is $2.85.

Idaho school districts can ask patrons to support local property tax revenues that "supplement" state funding. Most districts rely on supplemental levies for their budgets.

Wallace said revenue from the supplemental levy would help pay for several maintenance and operations expenses, including all-day kindergarten, technology, all academic and athletic extra-curricular activities, classroom materials, safety improvements, Advanced Learning Program opportunities and expansion of the vocational program.

Full-day kindergarten went into effect at Lakeland last year as a result of the district's last levy passing.

Assistant Superintendent Lisa Sexton said the district believes the continuation of that program is critical, as research supports early intervention for students.

"We have seen incredible results from having our youngest students at school all day," Sexton said. "Students spend more time building strong foundational skills, which allows them to master math and reading skills at a much deeper level."