A factual perspective on supplemental levy

LPOSD states “most” school districts require supplemental levies to operate, Fact: Of the 118 listed school districts 60 had supplemental levies in 2008. Greatest number ever but barely half and certainly not “most” LPOSD compares itself to state average and Coeur d’Alene district. Neither are good comparisons. Closest comparisons with similar student populations are the Blackfoot, Mountain Home, Jefferson County, Lakeland, and Madison school districts. Coeur d’Alene has some 10,200 students more than twice LPOSD’s 3,791.

Only two of the previous similar districts had supplemental levies in the past 16 years and only one, Blackfoot currently.

Lakeland had 13 with a grand total of $3,373,000 averaging $259,462 yearly but none since 2005. Blackfoot had 16 with a total of $12,575,000 averaging $785,938 yearly. LPOSD had 10 totaling $27,917,000 averaging $2,757,500 yearly.

Twice that of Blackfoot and eight times that of Lakeland yet Lakeland has one of the highest student ratings in Idaho.

LPOSD propaganda says the district will fall apart and education will cease without another supplemental levy.

Dont believe it. Basic essential education will continue, nonessential expensive extracurricular activities/programs may see cuts. In these economic times they should. LPOSD may have to get back to basics and operate more efficiently like charter and private schools and Lakeland. They should.

Look through the LPOSD propaganda deluge. Vote no on the Feb. 24 supplemental levy.

PHIL POUTRÉ

Cocolalla