LEVY: Essential for student support

Education is important in any society. I am writing to urge the members of this community to support the upcoming levy election on March 9.

Supporting public education is important for the future of our community and our children. An educated child becomes a responsible and better citizen. What we do now to support our students affects all of our futures.

I have grandchildren attending public schools in this district. I also have a daughter who teaches in this district. Even if I did not have family members associated with the district, I would support the levy because I value the benefits that come from well-educated and supported students.

Many of you may not realize that the education per student funding in Idaho is rated as second lowest in the United States. Our state government does not sufficiently fund the education of our students. It’s a fact. 25% of our school district’s total funds to educate students comes from the levy. This levy is not supplemental, it is essential.

This levy would SUSTAIN our district’s funding by CONTINUING to provide $20 million a year, NOT increase it. This is a renewal of funding. The levy rate from 2019 when the last levy was passed was $1.79 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value. The average taxpayer is seeing a relatively flat tax rate.

Our students have lost ground because of the pandemic. Let’s not have them lose more by not supporting this levy.

ALICE ARAMBARRI

Coeur d’Alene