School district levy replaces current one

Please vote “yes” in the levy election on Tuesday, March 8.

Idaho ranks in the bottom two states for educational funding per pupil. LPOSD collects a full 60 percent less than the state average in school related taxes and has the second lowest school tax per $100,000 of assessed valuation (of the six school districts in North Idaho.

This levy is a replacement of the current instructional levy that ends this year and equates to $3.44 per month increase in taxes on an average home in Bonner County. Loss of dollars if this levy does not pass will force a drastic increase in class sizes (the levy funds one-third of our teaching staff), elimination of extracurricular activities, and reduction in access to computers and current technology and loss of school academic programs and elective offerings.

LPOSD has been fiscally responsible by reducing staff (by 13 certified teacher positions and 2.5 certified administrators in the last four years at Sandpoint High School alone,) decreasing instructional funds, postponing cycles for updating curriculum materials and textbook adoptions, sharing buses with neighboring districts to events and competitions, and dramatically reducing classroom field trips.

The loss of any more dollars toward the functioning of our school system will be devastating. When you know the facts it has to be clear that a “yes” vote on the levy is essential.

To vote on Election Day, you must vote at your official polling location. Go to http://www.idahovotes.gov/AbsenteeBallot/Default.aspx to learn where to vote and if you are currently registered.

DEBBIE SMITH

Sagle