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The Daily Bee has been running a series of front page articles on different LPOSD-related topics.

The Feb. 17 article on a 501(c)3 tax-deductible non-profit, Caring Adults Recognizing Excellence, caught my attention. This 300-member volunteer organization of parents has a program, “Get the Basics”, that provides “teachers with simple items, such as pencils, markers, tissue, hand sanitizer and more” ... “what the kids really need” — fundamentals, but also some special requests from teachers. CARE fills that need from fundraisers, donations, and parent contributions.

That’s commendable, and I applaud them. But here’s my concern:

LPOSD has a $31.6 million budget, including a $1.2 million reserve account as of last June, and is now asking for a supplemental levy increase of $1.23 million. Meanwhile teachers don’t have the basics of classroom supplies and, from what I hear, often buy them out of their own pockets.

LPOSD’s financial priorities are out of kilter. For instance, for the past year they’ve been paying $400+ for wi-fi on school buses, some of it not even used. But the need for teachers’ classroom basics is given short shrift?

Until LPOSD can show me that they are financially responsible, I will not believe their constant need for more money and will vote no on the levy.

BOB BROWNING

Sandpoint