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The time has come again for us to show support for our local children and schools. The LPOSD replacement levy will replace the expiring levy. However, due to rising district assessed valuation, the levy rate has dropped by 4.9 percent in the last 4 years. This levy will fund all curricular and instructional materials, all academic and athletic extracurricular activities, and 1/3 of all district staff.

A home with an average assessed valuation of $250,000 with homeowner’s exemption currently pays $22/month. The replacement levy would increase that by 50 cents/month in 2018 and another 50 cents/month in 2019, only a 2-percent increase each year. Double check the school district website, lposd.org/board-of-trustees/supplemental-levy. Make sure you know the facts and how important your vote is.

The LPOSD has asked us what we value in our schools. The majority of citizens in the district want to preserve our rural elementary schools, maintain smaller class sizes, and provide academic options to all students whether preparing for vocational, technical, or professional training. However, providing these services in our district is expensive. State and federal revenue only provides 70 percent of the operational budget for our rural school district. We must make up the remainder.

Local schools can and should be a source of community pride. The message our children should hear is that we value education and that we are willing to pay for their future no matter what they dream for themselves. Take pride in voting yes for the LPOSD replacement levy on March 14.

SCOTT DUNN, M.D.

Sandpoint