Coeur d'Alene School District trustees hold public forum ahead of levy vote

COEUR d’ALENE — A handful of people heard from Coeur d’Alene School District trustees and other officials about the upcoming levy vote during a 90-minute public forum at Ramsey Park on Saturday. 

All five district trustees were in attendance, as well as Superintendent Shon Hocker.

“We came today because we wanted to get a better understanding of what the levy covers,” said Kelly McFarline of Coeur d’Alene. “Now we definitely think it needs to be passed.”

The $25 million supplemental school levy will be on November’s general election ballot after it was unanimously authorized by trustees Aug. 28, according to a district press release.

“Our goal is to get information out to the community so they have all the facts and can make an informed decision when they go to cast their vote,” said Trustee Lesli Bjerke.

Trustee Jimmy McAndrew said he hopes public forums will help clear some confusion around the proposed levy, which has received some backlash from the community. 

"A big thing is that the last levy just isn't that far in our rearview, so people are confused," said McAndrew.

The current levy will expire June 30, 2025. The proposed levy would be allocated for the following 2025-2026 school year. 

“We want to preserve what we have and continue the progress already being made,” said Trustee Allie Anderson.

Trustees plan to hold additional public forums ahead of November’s vote.