OPINION: For the kids

Imagine a typical North Idaho family, Shawn and Jane Doe and their three children Mary, Mike and Becky. Shawn is the assistant manager at a local division of a national company. The Doe family is a comfortable, middle class family and happy, but money seems tight. Jane has been pestering Shawn to ask for a raise but Shawn is hesitant. What if the boss says no?

One day Shawn worked up the courage to ask for a raise. He walked into the boss’s office, sits down and politely explains that he would like a raise. His boss asked, “Why do you need a raise?”

Shawn hesitated because he really didn’t have a specific answer. Money was tight but there was no one specific thing that was the reason and he didn’t want to not have a reason so Shawn said “It’s for my kid’s school. They need supplies and money for the bus and lunch.”

“Well, if it is for your kids, how can I say no?” said the boss.

Jane was delighted at the prospect of having a few extra dollars. “Finally I can hire a part time maid to help with the house chores,” she said. That night Jane put the kids to bed early and then treated Shawn to a romantic evening.

Nearly a year later Jane was visiting with a friend who was telling her about the fantastic exotic vacation they had just enjoyed. Jane listened to the story and began to imagine her and Shawn sipping an adult beverage while lounging on a Caribbean beach, warm sun and a cool breeze. That very night she told Shawn about their need for a vacation and that he should ask for a raise.

So again Shawn walks into the boss’s office, sits down and politely explains that he would like a raise. His boss asked “Why do you need a raise?” This time Shawn has a reason ready “It’s for my kids. Mary is struggling in math and Mike is getting a “D” in writing so they both need a tutor. Also Becky wants to play soccer so we need to buy uniforms and tickets for the team bus.”

“Well, if it is for your kids, how can I say no?” said the boss.

“Caribbean beach here we come!” said Shawn as he hugged Jane. “Why don’t we put the kids to bed early?" he whispered in her ear.

This pattern repeated over the next ten years. Shawn would go to his kind hearted boss and ask for a raise to help his kids and his boss would always reply “Well, if it is for your kids, how can I say no?”

While each raise didn’t seem like much, over the course of 10 years Shawn’s salary nearly doubled. Shawn and Jane had a full time housekeeper and a gardener. They hired a babysitter every Friday and Saturday night so they go out to dinner and dancing. Shawn hired a private secretary and Jane would go to the beauty parlor every Tuesday and Friday. Life was good.

One day the boss called Shawn into his office. “Shawn, I am sorry to say that the downturn in sales due to the economy means we have to cut salaries by 15%.” Shawn walked out of the office stunned. He wondered what he should tell Jane.

When Shawn got home he gathered the family together and said “Kids, my boss is despicable and un-American. He is cutting my salary which means no more tutors, sports or music. You’ll have to walk to school and make your own peanut butter sandwiches for lunch.” The kids ran to their rooms crying.

Jane turned to Shawn and asked “What about the maid and gardener and vacations?” Shawn winked and said “Those are essential.” He then smiled and whispered, “The kids are in bed early.”

Since 2012, enrollment at the Coeur d’Alene School District 271 has remained steady at just over 10,000 students. During that same time 151 new staff members have been added to the payroll. The administration staff has increased 139%, more than doubled. Test scores have remained flat with only about half the students being proficient in math and English.

Since 2012, SD271’s budget has increased 79% while inflation has increased 31% over the same period which means 48% of the budget increase is due to bloat and NOT due to inflation.

Idaho has 91 school districts. The average supplemental levy amount is $2.4 million. SD271’s current $20M levy is the second highest in the state between Lewiston at $24M and West Ada at $14M. If the $25M levy passes it would be the highest in the state.

If the current $20M levy expires without being replaced it would represent a 15% decrease in funding, HOWEVER, Governor Little’s 2023-2024 education budget has a 16.4% increase over the last budget, shifting education funding back to the state. This is hardly the extreme dire situation alleged by the SD271 administration.

Using fear mongering against children is despicable and un-American and the SD271 administration should be ashamed.

It’s just common sense.

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Brent Regan is chairman of the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee.