Misinformation abounds regarding district, levy

There has been so much misinformation being spread in the editorial/opinion pages of the newspapers and on social media. Although it is hard to keep ahead of all of this misinformation, be assured; our entire staff and board of trustees continue to work hard for our students, there are no ulterior motives, we are here for the students.

Below are some facts:

- State funds have increased; however, the state directs the district how to spend most of these funds. There are many line items and the funds can only be spent for those specific things. Some of these include: new teacher salaries, technology, and early childhood literacy. This does not include the many unfunded mandates passed on to the district from state and federal governments.

- Enrollment has fluctuated and currently has declined. There are still many hard costs associated with running schools such as lights and heat. Also, we need to have a teacher teaching a calculus class as an example, regardless if there 10 or 8 students. Our students deserve these opportunities and should not be limited due to their location in a small rural district.

- The school district is audited every year, and have never had any material findings. There are no secret accounts with extra funds, we create a budget.

- Taxes are decreasing. The current expiring levy is at a rate of $1.76 per $1,000 of assessed value after the homeowner’s exemption, the proposed levy is at a rate of $1.47 per $1,000 assessed value after the homeowner’s exemption.

- Our achievement scores have steadily increased over the last five years.

- Great things are happening in our schools.

Paul Anselmo is superintendent of the West Bonner County School District. He can be reached at PaulAnselmo@sd83.org.