West Bonner considers levy options

PRIEST RIVER — With the deadline approaching for questions to be submitted for the November ballot, West Bonner County School District trustees have not yet decided if they will run a levy.

The district is facing a tight budget for the upcoming school year after a $4.68 million supplemental levy was rejected by voters in May. As a result, the board of trustees voted in June to close Priest River Junior High School for a year and instruct students grades 7-12 at Priest River Lamanna High School.

In a July 31 special meeting, the trustees examined the results of a survey conducted by the district that asked respondents if WBCSD should run a supplemental levy on the November ballot.

The survey received 186 responses, and 54.3% described themselves as “very supportive.” 29.6% were “not supportive” and the remainder said they were “somewhat supportive” of a supplemental levy or would prefer the district to run a facility levy instead. 

Board clerk Julie Hinshaw said most of the respondents were adults registered to vote, but students and adults not registered to vote also contributed to the results. 

“We had put out a survey there that was just taking the temperature. It was not highly sophisticated,” said board chair Margaret Hall. 

Hinshaw then expressed doubt in the value of the poll’s outcome. 

“I think with 186 responders, the survey results are not a credible look at the status of voters' preferences,” Hinshaw said. 

The trustees then discussed options for bringing a levy onto the November ballot. 

“I would look at something very small — not the whole nine yards,” said Hall. She suggested that the district put forth a one-year supplemental levy with a few “very targeted” items on it. “Not what we ran in May,” Hall said, referring to the district’s recent failed levy, which included security, salary, transportation, technology, and maintenance items. 

“I think people have a little bit of voter fatigue,” said Hall. “I think we all do probably a little bit.” 

Hall expressed hope that upcoming financial audits for the last two school years would provide accountability and allow the district to gain a better understanding of its needs. The 2022-23 audit is expected to be completed in late August; the 2023-24 audit will be finalized in November. 

Trustee Kathy Nash expressed concern about asking voters to approve a levy in the upcoming election. 

“I do not think a levy on the November ballot would pass,” Nash said at the July 31 meeting. “There's a trust issue with the public.” 

Nash suggested that the district should focus on demonstrating administrative proficiency before asking voters to approve a levy.  

“If we wait until May, then we have our ducks in a row to show that we that we can build that trust back,” said Nash. “I believe that it would be more prudent for us to let the community heal a little bit.” 

In lieu of a November levy, Nash suggested placing a focus on promoting fundraising and seeking grant opportunities to bridge the gap to May. 

Trustee Paul Turco held a different perspective. 

“This Herculean effort of fundraising that we're doing is still a Band-Aid,” Turco said. “It is taxing the families that are part of the school district and even people that aren't part of the district unfairly, and much more than the entire county supporting a public school system like the Idaho State Constitution recognizes.” 

He added that he would like to see a robust two-year levy on the November ballot, citing the need for an enduring solution to funding shortages. 

“I want to see long-term sustainability for public education in west Bonner County,” said Turco. “The more that we can become stable, the better it is for our community, the teachers, the staff, the students.” 

Turco added that because the U.S. presidential candidates will be on the upcoming ballot and voter turnout will be higher than usual, the November election will be an opportunity to receive input from as many residents as possible. 

“I think we put it to the voters,” said Turco. “That will give us the best understanding of what west Bonner County really wants.” 

Finally, Turco lauded WBCSD finance director Dean Davis and the staff of the district’s financial department for their work toward improving transparency and accountability. 

“I hope the public really understands that these efforts are being made daily,” Turco said. “Thank you for getting us on track.” 

The deadline for submitting a November ballot question is Sept. 6. If the board wants to ask voters to pass a levy this election season, it will need to bring forth and approve a ballot resolution at its last regular meeting Aug. 21 or schedule a special meeting before Sept. 6.

The Aug. 21 meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the Priest River Lamanna High School cafeteria, 596 Highway 57, and livestreamed on the district’s Facebook page.