SCHOOL LEVIES: Student urges support

As vice chair of the district’s Student Advisory Group and a junior at Lake City High School, I want to respond to the opposition against the Coeur d’Alene School District’s upcoming levies. While I understand concerns about taxpayer funds, the proposed tax increase would have minimal impact on Kootenai County residents. The combined levy rate, if passed, would be $1.33 per $1,000, which is lower than most tax rates in the previous decade before 2023 and lower than most other districts in Idaho with similar demographics.

I believe that the people deserve a voice in how the school district provides learning and improves our schools. The levies wouldn’t take away from that. Instead, improve upon that by investing in our future, including how community input is addressed by the district.

It’s unfortunate that certain groups have opposed these levies, including the safety levy which was unanimously supported by ALL members of the SD271’s school board. Their opposition suggests a misguided understanding of the positive impact these levies would have on our schools. However, opposing these levies is a short-sighted approach that undermines the future of our students and our community. If our community votes down these levies, they’ll eventually complain about the state giving too much money to public education to supplement the shortfall.

As a student leader within the district, I know our schools are the backbone of our county, and investing in them is crucial. These levies would only strengthen our schools’ ability to promote a positive impact, and I urge the community to support them.

LUKE SHARON

Coeur d’Alene