WBCSD answers community questions

PRIEST RIVER — Throughout October, West Bonner County School District Superintendent Kim Spacek visited communities across the county for a series of meet and greets to share information about the district’s goals and field questions from stakeholders. 

As part of their community outreach initiative, district officials published a document with answers to questions encountered during the meet and greets. 

Proposed supplemental levy 

Several of the questions received by the district pertained to the proposed $1.13 million supplemental levy that will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot. In its document, the district shared that funds from a successful levy would be used in accordance with the language of the ballot question. That language designates funding for WBCSD’s child nutrition program and the purchase of two new buses. Additionally, it would allow the district to invest in curriculum and cover other costs associated with education. 

In response to a common question about the tax burden of the proposed levy, officials noted that West Bonner County School District residents will pay $23 per $100,000 of assessed property value for a one-year duration if the proposed levy passes. 

WBCSD officials specified that the reduced size of the levy compared to the $4.68 million supplemental levy rejected in May is due to the removal of $2.80 million in staff salaries and benefits and almost $1 million in facility maintenance and renovations. 

The district is currently fundraising to cover the cost of staff and facilities. 

Education funding in Idaho 

In response to questions regarding the funding of Idaho public schools, WBCSD officials cited a U.S. Census Bureau infographic identifying Idaho as the lowest state of 40 available states per pupil spending for the 2023 fiscal year. 

In the document, the district describes Idaho’s current model for funding public schools as insufficient for small towns. 

Fiscal accountability 

WBCSD’s document provides answers to several community questions centered on responsible spending. District officials stated WBCSD is held accountable through annual audits and its financial system, and that the notion that a forensic audit completed in March found millions of dollars unaccounted for is false. 

District officials added that WBCSD has experienced a high rate of turnover in critical financial roles in recent years, but that staff have worked hard to ensure that the district operates efficiently and that records are kept properly. 

Questions about the proposed levy or district operations can be directed to board clerk Julie Hinshaw or Spacek.