School funding, taxes top 'Capital' event

PRIEST RIVER — School funding, taxes and the economy dominated concerns as Idaho Gov. Brad Little brought a host of state officials to the North Idaho city as part of his Capital for a Day program.

The Capital for a Day program was designed to give state officials a chance to hear from communities first-hand — and to give residents a chance to speak to those same officials in person.

West Bonner County's recent challenges were among the biggest items of discussion, with several telling state officials the school district and community has worked hard to rebound. 

But a year of turmoil, from a recall of several trustees, an individual hired as superintendent who lacked proper credentials, and constant attacks on district staff and teachers, several failed levies have left the district financially strapped. The result has been for many to leave the district, with neighboring districts pulling away 50 students in the first year of open enrollment and almost 70 this coming school year.

"I'd like to say I can see this ending but unfortunately I cannot," Dana Douglas said. "The state of Idaho does not help the needy and we are in need, Mr. Little, we are asking for your help."

Douglas was among several who called on the state to revamp its funding formula, saying current funding formulas penalize small districts like theirs.

"We need change, and it should start now," Douglas said. "Why can't my grandkids have the same opportunities as yours?

While the state has obligations, Little said Idaho is a local control state and residents have a responsibility to help fund education in their communities. He told the 150-plus people in attendance that he was sympathetic to their case, noting Idaho has worked to increase funding for teacher salaries and offer property tax relief.

"I'm a spreadsheet guy," Little told the 150 or so Priest River and Bonner County residents who packed the Priest River Event Center for the event. "Show me how it affects all 70 school districts. Show me how it affects all 44 counties. Show me how it affects all 210 cities. Because if it looks free, you're probably taking money from somebody else."

Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield said she understands the hard work the community has put in over the past year and said her department was there to assist. While what is classified as a rural district is a federal designation, she said the Idaho Department of Education is working with the federal delegation to revise that definition.

While some spoke of the need for revisions to state policy to improve funding for rural school districts, others said that while they agree schools are a key issue, they contend adult bullying, financial mismanagement and a lack of compliance with state guidelines and community wishes are the true problems. 

"Until those issues are dealt with, from what I'm hearing, the levies are either not going to pass or be ground up to the point where the amount of the levy gets reduced to almost nothing," one woman said.

Until they see a "return on their investment," agreed one man, who said many in the community can't justify spending money on the schools. Among that return is better test scores and graduation rates, the residents said.

What may help assuage some concerns is a plan by the Idaho Department of Education to bring an auditor into the department to work with the districts and their business managers, Critchfield said.

"We will be able to work side by side with the districts and make sure what they're sending us is accurate," she said.

It will also help district business managers understand their role and give them a resource when they have questions, said Critchfield.

Noting financial questions, decreasing enrollment and declining federal dollars following the COVID-19 pandemic, Critchfield said West Bonner faced a unique storm of issues. She pledged her department's continued help in navigating the path forward.

"As the governor pointed out, the communication piece between the community and the school board is critical to understand transparency," Critchfield said. 

Priest River Mayor Jeff Connolly said he appreciates all sides' concerns and encouraged those present not to engage in a pro levy, anti-levy debate. He said his question for the state officials centered around taxes in general as well as the explosive growth in the region, which has strained services and priced many out of buying a home.

Connolly noted that property costs have risen astronomically in the area, putting homes out of reach of many young families or those getting started. Because of the area's small population, that puts a correspondingly higher burden on residents in terms of taxes. The Priest River mayor asked for state officials to start thinking of solutions to help smaller communities deal with some of those issues.

Little said he sympathized, saying that the region's economy has transitioned from mining timber and agriculture to recreation and tourism.

"We're the victims of our own success," Little said, which sent residents fleeing the regulations and bureaucratic burdens to Idaho and, in part, contributing to skyrocketing housing costs. "And I guess I'll be blunt, we're the victims of the not-very-good management by Oregon, Washington and California."

Child care is also a concern with many parents unable to hold full-time jobs because of the expense of child care, others expressed concerns about immigration, legislation to ensure inappropriate materials aren't accessed by children in libraries and local option taxes. Several questions concerned charter schools and their role in the state's education landscape.

Others expressed concern about the lack of medical care for women in rural areas, citing recent legislative policies and reimbursement issues. As a result, women in more rural areas have to travel long distances for maternal and medical care. Mental health care also needs to be addressed by the state to ensure all residents have access to help, some said.

"Moms and babies are not a priority in the state," Sandy Brower said, urging the state to promote better reimbursement and for a longer period of time.

Little and state officials said there is an effort by the state, and its colleges and universities, through the LAUNCH program to increase the number of students entering those fields.

Little said the state is working to increase the number of health care officials in Idaho, which could include funding residences and other incentives to encourage health care professionals to practice in rural areas.

Concerns over failing gates at the Albeni Falls Dams also prompted one man to ask the state what it could do to help the issue receive higher importance and funding, and whether it bore any responsibility. Little said the state is working with Idaho's congressional delegation as well as local officials to expedite the issue, noting its importance in the region's economy from a power perspective as well as recreation.

But, at the end of the day, the governor noted the matter is a federal issue with all sides working toward a solution.