Idaho should pay for schools
Article IX, Section 1, of Idaho’s Constitution reads: “LEGISLATURE TO ESTABLISH SYSTEM OF FREE SCHOOLS. The stability of a republican form of government depending mainly upon the intelligence of the people, it shall be the duty of the legislature of Idaho to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools.” This clearly places the responsibility for the state’s public schools on the shoulders of the Legislature. The buck stops in the east and west wings of Idaho’s Capitol building.
Two criteria from this section are highly significant: uniform and thorough. In 2008, Idaho reduced the amount of per student spending by 12.3 percent. For the first time in 10 years, per student investment will be on par with pre-recession levels. This does NOT account for the growth since the recession ended. What has happened to “uniform and thorough”? It is the Legislature’s duty (not the trustees, patrons, or the voters of District 271) to maintain a statewide school system that meets these criteria.
Actions that drive local school districts into making dramatic increases in the use of local property tax resources raise serious doubt that the Legislature is fulfilling its constitutional obligations. It becomes questionable that Idaho’s policymakers are meeting the other obligation to assess and levy property taxes uniformly.
It is reasonable to expect an open and honest discussion of the direction of Idaho’s public school funding and whether it is living up to the duties and responsibilities handed down by Idaho’s Founding Fathers. It appears this discussion has taken place when reading Dec. 18th’s article entitled “CDA 271 seeks $20 million per year for two years.” Good to hear was the decision to eliminate the permanency. Good also was Mr. Cook’s modeling of how to grow the budget from new construction. However, the model to include plans for a $34 million bond in 2020 needs more clarity and assurance that it comes directly from new construction. Trustee Lisa May hit the nail on the head when she stated that increased funding needs to come from the state instead of the taxpayers.
The citizens have voiced their concerns: The $4 million increase should be absorbed by new construction. Voting should be held in the fall, allowing more convenience to those not belonging to the school district. Our current voting system is borderline conflict of interest when a 60 percent turnout could be representative of mostly school district employees. Any future school funding should be required to be paid by the state. A system for voters 65+ years of age should receive a major tax credit. After 45+ years of school contributions, it seems only fair.
As a community, we all acknowledge the obligation and responsibility to contribute to our schools. Our elected officials also need to acknowledge the same. Please write to them demanding more state funding. It is their duty and the buck stops with them. We need to hold them and our school district accountable.
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JoAnn Lokken is a Coeur d’Alene resident.