March school levy needs your support

It seems fitting that I write this note of encouragement on the day before we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

As you well know, Dr. King was an advocate for human rights and equal opportunity for all.

I can think of no greater opportunity than a quality education. In our case, it is  a quality public education in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. 

Unfortunately, that quality public education is not free, and with declining state and federal revenues, we are forced to turn to our community to help our schools be the type of place we want them to be for our children.

 As a friend and supporter of our schools, I want you to know that I view the March 8 replacement/supplemental levy critical, perhaps more critical than any levy we have put before voters in my tenure as superintendent.

This levy replaces the existing levy and will help us to maintain the heart of our academic programs, technology, and extracurricular activities. Fully one-third of our staffing is funded by this levy! 

Please imagine our schools with one-third fewer staff, no extra curricular activities (academic or athletic), and limited access to technology. As you know, the state has reduced public school funding for the past two years; the first time in history. The state or federal government will not be increasing or even maintaining their current level of support. 

 It is estimated this levy will increase school related taxes by $3.44 per month on a home valued at $250,000.

Our district’s school taxes are the lowest of all surrounding districts and 60 percent below the state average! With your past support we have created a culture of learning where 95 percent of our students are proficient in reading, 89 percent in math and 87 percent in language usage. We think that is an excellent value! We need your help to continue our upward climb in creating opportunity for all.

 Please remember that school voting will now occur in your normal voting spot for the general election.

You will not be able to vote in our schools as in the past due to a change in state law.

Thank you for your support and please feel free to forward this information on to friends or groups to which you might belong. If you would like more information, please visit the Lake Pend Oreille School District website or call me at 263-2184, ext. 1015.