Instructional levy cost reflect changing economy
Educational programs in Idaho will be heavily impacted by the projected cuts in state funding to school districts, which were recently voiced by both Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and State Superintendent of Instruction Tom Luna. Half of the state of Idaho's general fund supports public education for K-12 grades. After numerous board meetings, study sessions, and staff/citizen input, the Lake Pend Oreill School Board has decided to move forward with a two-year supplemental instructional levy which totals $10,950,000. The goal of the levy is to soften the impact on students given the projected formidable cuts in state funding. Even with a successful levy effort, our school district will cut over a dozen staff, defer curricular and technology updates and reduce staff in the central office.
As a result of previous revenue shortfalls from the federal government, declining student enrollment, and increasing costs in such areas as health insurance, food for the school lunch program, and transportation, the district has reduced staffing at all levels for two consecutive years. Included in those cuts have been more than 67 staff positions, including the elementary counseling program and classroom teachers. Last school year the district implemented a plan that forced schools into sharing principals at Washington, Kootenai, Sagle and Northside Elementary. Southside and Hope Elementary have half-time principals.
Included in the proposed levy are dollars for staffing, both certificated and classified, limited technology upgrades for students and staff, student activities, both academic and athletic, maintenance, and student curriculum. Again, even if the levy is successful, there will be cuts in all of the above areas. Original projections called for a $13 million levy but given the current economics, the board trimmed the requests to the $10.9 million dollar figure.
The board has worked hard to reflect taxpayers' concerns in this economic climate and has developed a plan that will benefit our students. Concurrently, the board is mindful of the difficulties presented to our taxpayers given the unprecedented economic circumstances. In addition to the reduced total from that which was originally sought, it was determined that the dollar total could be spread unevenly over a two-year period. This will result in no, or a very small increase in school taxes to the homeowner compared to what they are currently paying in year one. In year two, homeowners would find the current plant and facility levy assessment ending, resulting in school taxes being lowered by 45 percent. By shifting a larger percentage of the collection to year two, still below what is currently collected, the board hopes the community will look favorably on the February measure.
As superintendent, I assure you that the board and staff have worked extremely hard to develop a figure that is fair to our community and our students. We will not know the final outcome of the state budget process, however we do anticipate more cuts. Depending upon state budget cuts, this levy will maintain class size at the elementary and middle schools, continue the Upper Quartile program at elementary schools, maintain student activities, and support meaningful curricular changes. It will result in cuts to staffing at schools and the district office, support service staff at elementary schools, technology reductions, and other cost savings measures, even if successful.
In short, the levy will reflect the uncertain economic times of our country. It is lean with little to spare. We look to our community to support this measure that will maintain our basic educational services.
Citizens with questions should telephone Superintendent Dick Cvitanich at 263-5053, ext. 218.