SCHOOLS: Take the Survey

School District 271 wants to establish its maintenance and operations levy in perpetuity (without end) and is asking for an additional $4 million.

In the recession of 2008-09, Idaho reduced the amount of per student spending by 12.3%, the deepest cut in the nation. For the first time in 10 years, per student investment will be on par with pre-recession levels starting 2019. On par with pre-recession levels is not enough. Where are the missing five years between 2014-2019?

To meet our state’s goals of an additional $120 million suggested by Gov. Butch Otter’s Task Force on Improving Education, we can start by taking $188 million spent annually on 45,000 illegal immigrants and put it toward our schools. Gov. Otter also stated in reference to illegal immigrants, “We still have a tremendous expense in our corrections, on our judicial system, in our education system and in our health and welfare system.” Visas to make them legal would be a good start. E-verify by employers would also help.

After seeing the online videos (3), I came across information that would “potentially” put the burden of the extra $4 million on new construction. Potentially is not a definite. It would be wise if the School District puts in writing making it perfectly clear to the general public that the $4 million would definitely come from new construction.

I would encourage all to take the online survey at: www.cdaschools.org/levysurvey

It may just change the ongoing request for more school levies.

JOANN LOKKEN

Coeur d’Alene