'Bare-bones' levy contains no frills

As a concerned taxpayer, business owner and father of two daughters in the public schools, I have been interested in the upcoming supplemental levy process. I was asked to sit in on the levy committee and here are some observations.

We heard presentations from each department head that outlined what they wanted in the next fiscal year. The want list sounded to me like the "bare minimum needed," very legitimate, with not the slightest hint of frills or frivolous spending. Each request was followed by a spirited debate (want versus need).

The consensus of the committee was to have the supplemental tax rate fall in line with that of area districts … below Kootenai County and slightly above area districts that are smaller than Bonner County. After literally hours of deliberation, each department was asked to pear down their "wants" by 10 percent across the board and then further fine-tune adjustments were made to meet the tax rate goal. We arrived at a figure that could truly make a difference in the district and at the same time be in line with past supplemental levies for the tax payers.

In my involvement with the committee I see concerned professionals working hard to make our public schools the very best that they can be with the somewhat limited funding that the state provides.

I urge you to "support our schools." "Quality schools equal quality communities." Vote "yes" on Tuesday, March 22.

DON HELANDER

Sandpoint