Supporting our public school district levies is good for business and community
The vitality of our public schools is directly tied to building a thriving community in Kootenai County and Coeur d’Alene. The quality of education is key to shaping engaged, invested citizens and preparing our young people for the modern job market. In Idaho, our levies are labeled “supplemental,” but there’s nothing supplemental about them. The state only provides funding for 75% of school operating budgets, meaning local communities must cover the remaining 25% for essential operations like staffing, programs and services.
While the Coeur d'Alene region offers a variety of educational options including private schools, charter schools and homeschooling, public schools are the choice for 71% of families with school-age children. This number clearly indicates our community's robust commitment to public education, which was also reflected in the last Coeur d’Alene School District levy vote, supported by 63% of voters.
Why our local levies matter
According to the National Education Association, Idaho ranks lowest (51st) in the nation for per-student funding, making local levies crucial for bridging the gap between state funding and district needs. Levies fund 25% of the school district budgets, covering things like mental health services, school safety personnel, extracurricular activities and technology. Without levy funds, these critical services would face severe cuts.
Public schools must also cater to all students, including typical learners, advanced learners and those requiring special education. Did you know that almost 14% of Coeur d'Alene School District students receive special education services?
These levy funds also significantly benefit the most vulnerable families in our community. Nearly 2,000 students in the CDA district experience unstable housing or live at the federal poverty level. Thirty-five percent of elementary students and 26% of secondary students are enrolled in the Free and Reduced Lunch program.
These statistics highlight the critical role levy resources play in providing stability and opening opportunities for students facing significant challenges. Levy funds provide a vital public service by helping students who might otherwise be marginalized take advantage of educational opportunities that will enable them to thrive as they move from school into the workforce. By supporting the local levies, we ensure our students receive the support necessary to succeed academically and personally, not just during their student years but as they transition into adulthood.
Despite frugal budgets, the CDA School District is one of the top-performing large school districts in Idaho. It boasts a 90% graduation rate and exceeds state averages on all standard achievement tests. Schools like Sorensen and Hayden Meadows are recognized among the top-performing elementary schools in the state. Investing in our schools ensures that these high standards are maintained and improved, providing our students with the best possible education and preparing them for future success.
Finally, contrary to concerns voiced in some circles, the CDA school levy does not raise taxes to unattainable levels. CDA taxpayers pay one of the lowest levy rates in the state and the current property tax rate in Kootenai County is nearly half of what it was eight years ago. As more taxpayers contribute to the levy, the individual burden decreases; recent analysis shows the average homeowner's levy burden in Coeur d'Alene will amount to about one dollar per month. Not a huge price to pay for a well-educated, qualified workforce!
The big picture
Investment in public schools leads to healthier communities. Research shows that better-funded schools reduce adult and youth crime rates, resulting in significant social savings. Moreover, communities with high-performing schools attract families, boost home values and stimulate local economies. A well-funded public school system benefits everyone, not just those with children in the schools. It creates a safer, more prosperous community where businesses thrive and residents enjoy a higher quality of life.
Supporting school levies in Kootenai County is not just about funding education; it's about investing in our community's future. North Idaho is blessed to be a growing, prosperous region rich in natural beauty and community spirit. By prioritizing school resources and student performance, we enable our young people to grow and thrive into educated, creative, well-adjusted contributors to society. As you prepare for elections this November, please join the CDA Regional Chamber in supporting our schools. Vote YES to ensure a bright future for all.
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Linda Coppess is president and CEO of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Coppess