School district needs to make do with less

Observing LPOSD’s levy presentations, then reading Superintendent Shawn Woodward’s interview in the Bee, there are inconsistencies.

Woodward: “In the last five years, we’ve had relatively flat enrollment.” But their budget says that between 2007-2011, LPOSD enrollment declined 12.5 percent, flat in 2012 and projected to drop another 3.87 percent in 2013 — a decrease of more than 16 percent in student enrollment.

Should they cut the budget by 16 percent?

Woodward: The levy will allow LPOSD “to make fewer cuts.” Their budget shows a mere 0.06 percent reduction; salaries remain far above the average Bonner County median income, and 26 extracurricular activities and sports programs are not touched.

We are told teachers haven’t had a raise in three years. Some of us have not had regular employment for longer than that.

Can’t they do with less as others have been forced to do?

Vote no on the levy.

CHRIS ALLEN

Sandpoint