We have recently learned the State of Idaho is providing more funding to schools. This is good news. However, despite the benefits this new funding provides, it is still inadequate to address the needs of our schools. To clarify the issues around school funding, the Kootenai Dems invited Scott Maben to speak with us. Mr. Maben is Director of Communications for the Coeur d’Alene School District 271. He will explain why our public schools still require additional financial support to address ongoing safety and maintenance of our school facilities and assets.

Join Scott Maben this Friday at noon online for a frank discussion about school funding.

ABOUT OUR MEETINGS

The Democrat Club meets each Friday at noon online. We distribute a Zoom link for our club meetings each Thursday prior to the meeting date. Contact Phil at pjwmia@aol.com or Ruben at pjwmia@aol.com, to request the link or assistance connecting. We will return to in person/online meetings as soon as it becomes safe to do so. You can find videos of past Club meetings at KootenaiCountyDemClub.com/Meeting Videos.

About School Levies

The mechanism used to fill this funding gap is a public levy. Levies are short-term, local property taxes. To pass, the levy must receive an affirmative vote from 55% of the school district’s participating voters.

Currently, the Coeur d’Alene School District is seeking approval for a 5-year levy to fund deferred maintenance and safety projects not currently covered by state and local revenues. The levy would fund school repairs and updates of mechanical systems, plumbing, roofs, flooring, fences, parking lots, security enhancements, and other school safety projects.

The levy would raise $5 million annually for 5 years through a property tax assessment. The estimated average annual cost to a property taxpayer is $19.04 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions. This equates to about nineteen cents per $1,000.

Each year, $4,000,000 would address deferred maintenance and improving school sites. This includes HVAC, roofing, electrical, plumbing systems, interior finishes/flooring, exterior site work, equipment, and furnishings. The remaining $1,000,000 would deal with safety and security issues, such as fencing, security cameras, and door access controls.

About the School Levy Election

The levy election takes place on March 14, 2023. The Coeur d’Alene School District is asking voters to consider and approve the SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE LEVY.