BCEDC backs LPOSD levy

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Economic Development Corporation announced Thursday it is supporting the Lake Pend Oreille School District’s special plant and facilities levy.

“Our organization is about creating better communities through the creation of better jobs and quality public education is key to our ability to help create those jobs,” said BCEDC chairman Eric Paull. “Passing this levy is the first step toward getting the facilities of LPOSD to a safe and acceptable level.”

BCEDC joins the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in its support of the levy. Both organizations see a direct tie between business and better schools.

“Many businesses and professionals looking at relocating to an area use the local public schools as a measurement of the community,” said BCEDC Executive Director Karl Dye. “Right now, these groups must think our communities are overcrowded, under-funded and contaminated with asbestos. We need to pass this levy as it is the only funding mechanism the state allows for fixing schools.

The $14.1 million two-year levy would result in homeowners paying $129 the first year and $123 the second, per $100,000 of net taxable value. These levy rates are below the statewide average of $159/$100,000 net taxable value and local districts Post Falls ($190/$100,000), Lakeland ($181/$100,000) and Coeur d’Alene ($151/$100,000).

“When you look at the competitive nature of companies choosing communities to build and grow their business in and look at how our local competitors in Kootenai County are funding their schools, we have to realize that consistently under-funding our schools will result in damage to our local economy,” Dye added.

Registered voters can go to any school to cast their ballots May 20, or request an absentee ballot online at www.sd84.k12.id.us/Levy_2008.htm; or call the school district office at 263-2184.