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In 2009, the LPOSD levy was $10,900,000 for educating 3,672 students.

The 2019 levy is up 133 percent to $25,400,000 for educating 3,715 students.

Does a 43-student increase in nine years require $337,209 more for each additional student?

Has your personal budget increased 133 percent in nine years?

This year alone, the proposed levy increase is 49 percent.

Bonner County taxpayers whose wages average $34,736 can’t afford this.

Did Shawn Woodward receive $147,972 in 2015, the same year he cut 15 positions,including teachers?

What was his total pay for 2018? $173,904?

To quote the recent Bee article: “Woodward said “there has been false information going around about the levy.”

Upon checking the LPOSD records I discovered that he and Lisa Hals promote much false information by telling only part of the story. They say increased enrollment is an issue, and more teachers are needed, but they carefully avoid giving meaningful numbers.

LPOSD student-teacher ratio averages 17:1, which is better than the state average of 19:1.

There is merit in the statement: The best lie is a half truth.

If this represents the most efficient education system they can provide, Shawn Woodward and Lisa Hals are out of touch with reality. I propose that we get a new Superintendent and a new financial officer who respect the taxpayers’ limitations.

Vote no on this levy.

ANDY HARRIS

Sagle