District thanks community for support

Dear community members,

On March 8, our citizens went to the polls to vote on the Lake Pend Oreille School District’s supplemental replacement levy. Despite the challenging economics, national media focused on public education costs, and the debate regarding reform in Boise, our community responded in a resounding “yes” vote of 62.3 percent. Your vote during this difficult time sent a clear message to our students, staff, and community that public education in our community holds great value despite the national debate.

There are many people to thank for this effort. Without naming individuals, our sincere thank you is offered to the parents of children we serve, our involved business community, and citizens residing in our school district who feel passionate about education. If you did not see students, staff and others parading though town last Thursday to offer thanks during the “thank you parade,” please accept our words in this letter today.

Despite the outcome of the vote, significant challenges remain. We will be reducing budget and staff because of anticipated reductions for public education funding at the state level. There is no way around that dilemma, but we will proceed with a clear focus on serving students in the best way possible.

Finally, although our yes vote was significant and something of which our community can be proud, it also means that a number of residents felt that school taxes were too high, or our performance as a district lacked components they view as important. I pledge to you that we will continue our hard work to earn your trust and support. We value our work as educators. We are a strong school district and intent upon improvement. Thank you for giving us that opportunity.

DICK CVITANICH

Superintendent

Lake Pend Oreille School District