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The Reader stories in the Feb. 21 edition, paint a problematic distrust offered to the constituents of the LPOSD by Superintendent Shawn “Taxman” Woodward, also an embattled hospital taxing district trustee.

Page 15, “LPOSD official make the case for levy renewal.” A biennial levy renewal would be $17 million … this levy is an enormous $25.4 million levy, a 49-percent levy increase of $7.4 million, that is relatively permanent.

Page 20,“LPOSD superintendent interviewing in Wenatchee” describes “Taxman” Woodward scheming to saddle much of Bonner County with gigantic taxes as he desires to helicopter out of LPOSD into another school district. Woodward’s un-convicted commitment to the “community,” at a time when he seeks to fundamentally change taxpayer obligations and the LPOSD is concerning.

Woodward falsely claims that “significant misunderstanding makes it difficult to communicate the facts.” Facts stand alone and are easily communicated, for instance: 569 employees, not 900.

“It’s difficult to afford a home on a (starting $35K) teacher’s salary.” Sheriff detention deputies start at $42K and work many more risk-filled days a year than do teachers.

“High degree of staff turnover?” Please present the departure numbers for first three year employees and three years of retirees, is LPOSD suggesting misleading conditions?

“No such decision has been made” of a 2019 facility levy. LPOSD paid engineers to produce a report identifying a $39 million facility levy cost. No decision is disingenuous wordsmithing.

Vote against this March 12, 2019 levy. A May levy election will provide greater clarity to the Legislature’s funding intent and the disposition of the self-serving superintendent.

DANIEL ROSE

Samuels