MY TURN: Breaking down the Coeur d'Alene school levy

Last week, the Coeur d’Alene School District board of trustees unanimously approved placing the renewal of the two-year, $25 million school levy on the Nov. 5, 2024, ballot. If passed, this levy will replace the existing two-year, $25 million levy the community passed in May 2023. The board’s unified action means taxes will not increase should the levy pass. I commend our trustees for speaking with one voice about the need for levy funding while keeping property taxes flat.

The levy’s significance extends beyond finances — it also represents an ongoing investment in the future of our community’s children and schools. As the community considers the value of our school levy, it is our job to help voters understand what the levy funds and why running school levies is part of Idaho’s public education funding system.

Why does the district run a levy every two years and why now? The state of Idaho authorizes public schools to run levies that last one year, two years or forever. In addition, Idaho law restricts school districts to only run levies in a May primary and/or in a November general election. Idaho’s education funding structure relies on state and local community support. It's the “Idaho Way.” Idahoans value local community input in the educational opportunities we provide to our public school students. Together, the state of Idaho and the federal government provide approximately 75% of the necessary funding. The remaining 25% comes from the local community in the form of a school levy.

How does the district use levy dollars? Our community plays an important role in ensuring our schools have the necessary resources to provide high-quality educational opportunities to all students. Our school district works diligently to be a top performer in Idaho while also being mindful of the local levy tax needs of our community. Our supplemental levy rate is one of the lowest among the largest school districts in Idaho. This reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility.

The $25 million levy supports a range of programs and services that contribute to the development of our students: 

• Sports and extracurricular activities are important pieces of the educational experience. These activities foster teamwork, discipline, leadership and resilience — qualities essential for success in life. They also give students a sense of belonging and community, allowing them to express themselves, explore interests and build lasting friendships. These opportunities represent the “other half” of a well-rounded educational opportunity. 

• School safety officers and nurses maintain a secure and healthy environment for all students and staff. Safety officers protect our students and ensure our schools remain safe places for learning. They manage emergencies and build positive relationships with students, contributing to a safe school climate. Similarly, school nurses provide essential health services, managing chronic conditions and addressing sudden health concerns. They not only offer medical care but also educate students on healthy lifestyles, contributing to their overall well-being. 

• Electives and expanded learning opportunities prepare students for the future. In today’s world, students need more than a minimal education to succeed. Electives provide students with opportunities to explore art, music, theater, technology and career technical education. These elective courses help students develop critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills — qualities that are highly valued in higher education, the workforce and beyond. These programs provide a more comprehensive education that prepares students for life beyond the classroom. 

The proposed $25 million levy is an investment in our children, schools and the future of our community. Support of the levy will sustain the programs and services our community has prioritized for decades. Support of the levy will help our schools and extracurricular programs remain among the best in Idaho. Without continued levy support, many of the programs and services I’ve mentioned will face significant cuts and/or elimination. 

We encourage you to speak with your local school board trustee or any district employee if you have any questions. We are grateful for our community’s continued support! Coeur d’Alene is a remarkable community. I wish you all a fantastic school year.

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Dr. Shon Hocker is superintendent of the Coeur d'Alene School District.