Cd'A School Board trustees host levy talk

Though only a handful of community members attended a Monday night forum about a proposed $30.25 million levy that will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot, Coeur d'Alene School Board trustees said they'll keep engaging with the public ahead of the election, now just five weeks away.

“Even if no one shows up, we want to make ourselves available,” said board chair Lesli Bjerke. “Hopefully people will see that we have done that and tried to be transparent.” 

Trustees gathered in the auditorium at Lake City High School for the forum, where they engaged in discussion with attendees. 

“This is an ask of our community, and it’s something they’ve supported for a really long time,” said Trustee Heather Tenbrink. “We just want to be sure that we are available for any questions and any concerns they might have.” 

Attendee Troy McCollum offered insight into common concerns and misconceptions among community members about public schools and levies. 

“Usually the majority have issues questioning the percentage for staff and admin, particularly admin,” said McCollum. “A lot of the concern starts with the amount of administration and I know that you guys have cut back on that fairly substantially.” 

Trustee Jimmy McAndrew said about 164 positions are funded through levy dollars. When asked, McCollum agreed that many members of the public do not realize the school district is one of the county’s largest employers. 

Trustee Lisa Aitken gave a presentation with additional information about the levy, citing inflation as the reason for the increase in the levy amount. 

“You guys are in a position where now you have to ask for $30 million," McCollum said. "You just say inflation, it’s everything. It’s not just wages, salaries, it’s supplies, food, insurance is a big one. All things that keep you on track. It’s current life in America, that you have to deal with those things.” 

The presentation included a graph showing Coeur d’Alene tax rates per $1,000 of assessed value from 2014 to 2026. The graph showed a significant decrease, from $2.11 in 2014 to 72 cents in 2026. 

The presentation also compared 2025 tax rates per $1,000 of assessed value among Idaho’s 19 largest school districts. The graph showed the Coeur d’Alene School District had one of the lowest tax rates, at 84 cents. 

Attendee Betsy Kovach expressed dismay at the low turnout for the forum. 

“Schools as a whole are really important to me,” she said. “I was just hoping to see more support from the community to be honest.” 

Kovach said that although many residents dislike paying higher property taxes, she believes well-funded neighborhood schools help increase property values. 

“See what your property value would be like if you didn’t live in a district with good schools,” she said. “These kids are the best. That’s why we’re all here.”