Don't be apathetic, support LPOSD levy

I hope by now everyone is aware that the upcoming levy is a replacement levy rather than an additional levy. The current levy that began in 2005 will expire on June 30, 2007. Without passing this levy on March 20, the daily essential operations of the Lake Pend Oreille School District are in jeopardy. The state provides only 68 percent of the total current overall funds needed to run our school district. This levy will provide staffing, capital equipment items for schools, maintenance of school facilities, improve technology, maintain pupil transportation and will help continue the support of student activities.

The real increase in tax dollars over what we pay now is minimal. If this is your primary residence, the increase in annual tax expense over what we are currently spending (for the 2005 levy) on a $250,000 property is less than $25 per year. That's just $2.06 a month. How many of us are paying more than that every day for a cup of Joe?

It's pretty hard to look our kids in the eye and tell them we'd rather have our beverage of choice than to help maintain aged facilities, support the use of technology, minimize our classroom size and continue the extracurricular activities. Please don't be apathetic about voting. Make the effort to vote. Isn't the future worth just a bit more than a few cups of coffee?

JIM and GERALDINE LEWIS

Sandpoint