EDITORIAL: The Lakeland levy passed, but now the real work begins

Lakeland voters made a clear choice last week. By approving a $15 million, two-year supplemental levy with a resounding 67% support, they demonstrated deep commitment to their public schools, their teachers and — most importantly — their children.

This community decision wasn’t made lightly. It came after months of difficult debate, painful budget cuts and the sobering reality of what failure might mean: the loss of programs, staff and a 25% budget reduction that would have devastated the district. 

Voters chose a path forward, even after having seen a larger levy fail just six months earlier. And for that, they deserve real recognition. 

But the truth is it should not fall solely on the shoulders of small communities in Lakeland to keep public education afloat. 

District leaders are already facing a new wave of challenges. State-mandated salary minimums — handed down with little notice or flexibility — will stretch already thin budgets. Some teachers will receive significant, mandated raises while others, due to structural quirks and funding formulas, may see nothing at all. The result is growing frustration among staff and more strain on a system that’s doing its best to stay upright. 

Meanwhile, district officials are exploring cost-cutting measures like a four-day school week, an idea rooted more in financial desperation than educational innovation. Even those skeptical of the proposal acknowledge how limited the savings would be, yet the board is forced to explore it because of chronic underfunding from the state. 

Levies are meant to supplement education, not sustain it. Yet in North Idaho, and in Lakeland especially, these levies have become lifelines. The state's funding formula doesn't recognize the challenges rural districts face. As a result, districts are left to pass the hat and hope their communities can afford to say yes. 

This cannot continue. 

The state of Idaho must do more than shift costs and raise mandates. It must fund schools predictably. It must stop using local levies to fill systemic holes. And it must listen to communities like the ones that make up Lakeland when they cry out for help. 

Lakeland has done its part. Now it’s time for lawmakers in Boise to do theirs.