Failure would hurt district's students

I would like the opportunity to speak against those that do not support passing a supplemental levy for LPOSD. The state may require us to call it a "supplemental" levy, but if the levy fails it will do far more than just create an inconvenience. Its failure would result in a fundamental restructuring of the school district. The impact would be devastating in terms of loss of staff, programs, activities and athletics.

The main argument seems to be centered upon the economy. It's obvious the school board is aware of the sagging economy (who isn't?). If we fail the levy it will mean huge staff cuts across the district. This means more people out of work in our area and less people with money to help the businesses within our community. A significant loss of jobs for the school district has a direct impact on our community's welfare.

I know many excellent teachers who are thinking of leaving Sandpoint. Do we really want to lose our quality educators to communities that better support their schools?

School levies provide one of the few opportunities that people have to control their taxes. I believe a lot of people use this as an excuse to vote no on levies as a symbolic statement against higher taxes. I really hope people will do their homework and find out the impacts of a failed levy. This "supplemental" levy has nothing to do with the plant and facility levy passed last spring. A plant and facility levy can only be used to fund construction and other maintenance.

The bottom line is our current "supplemental" levy costs approximately $83 a year per $100,000 after homeowner's exemption. To me, that is an inexpensive investment for trying to maintain quality education in our community. Yes, there has been declining enrollment, but in reality the school board has been more than accountable. They have already cut dozens of positions over the last two years. Any more cuts will directly harm those who profit the most from education:  our children.

DEREK DICKINSON

Sandpoint