SCHOOL LEVY: Money needed but so is more planning

I recently had a chance to review the Coeur d’Alene schools website to get information on the upcoming maintenance levy (cdaschools.org/levy). It is obvious that an influx of money is definitely necessary to fix many of the problems that exist in the various facilities.

I have several concerns with the information presented. First there is a graph that shows the growth of the deferred maintenance with and without the levy, it shows that a lot of problems will be solved with the levy. However, it also shows that the backlog will increase from $25 million to about $27 million over the 10 years. So, at the end of 10 years, we will be in the same place we are now, probably looking for a new levy.

There is also a large project list on the website that shows the project details and a schedule of planned work. In 2023 the planned work would be $33 million. How could that be with only $8 million raised in a year? The chart also shows that the program will run out of money in year seven, then what happens?

The photos of the current condition of the facilities show that money is needed. However, I am not convinced that the planning for the project is anywhere near adequate.

Voters need to review the information on the website and make up their own mind. I would like to see a better 10-year plan with specific milestones established that could be funded in increments based on satisfactory accomplishments. I must vote no on this plan.

TOM CRIMMINS

Hayden Lake