COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — Trustees of the Coeur d’Alene School Board made a unified decision Wednesday to put forth to voters a $25 million-per-year, two-year supplemental levy ballot measure in November.
The unanimous vote took place during a special noon meeting when trustees also had the option to go for a $25.75 million-per-year, two-year levy amount but chose solidarity over a split vote.
“I think we can really come together and stand behind the decision that we collectively made today," Chair Rebecca Smith said after the meeting. "It shows the story of how we as a district are moving forward together with strength and unity. It illustrates, hopefully, to our community, from the top down, that we are unified in the direction that we as a district are moving.”
If approved by voters Nov. 5, the $25 million levy will replace the current $25 million levy that expires at the end of the 2024-25 school year. The levy rate for taxpayers is not expected to increase. The estimated average annual cost to taxpayers is about $93 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current market conditions.
The levy decision was imminent due to Idaho lawmakers removing two school levy election days from the calendar in the past two legislative sessions. School districts now only have November and May to run levy elections.
“We need to take advantage of the options that are available to us,” Smith said, “so the timing is now.”
By selecting a levy option that replaces rather than increases funding, Coeur d'Alene School District leaders and trustees will have to balance the operating budget by cutting $750,000 each year for two years. Superintendent Shon Hocker said that's equivalent of about 10 teachers' salaries.
To read the full story, visit our news partner, The Coeur d'Alene Press.
