LPOSD: Support during snow crisis appreciated
Dick Cvitanich | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 16 years, 10 months AGO
On behalf of the students and staff of the Lake Pend Oreille School District, I would like to thank our county commissioners, director of emergency services, Bob Howard, and the members of the National Guard for all of the assistance we received during the great snowfall this winter. From my very first phone call to the county commissioner's office on a Friday morning, to the arrival of the National Guard on the following Sunday, the action of our county officials was swift and helpful. This included close work with Mr. Howard, who assisted us in a variety of ways through contacts with FEMA and the National Guard. Commissioner Todd Crossett attended our first meeting with the National Guard and the county to make sure we had all of the assistance we needed. Commissioner Lewis Rich personally inspected School to demonstrate his support.
Finally, the National Guard worked very hard. Their men and women willingly jumped to the task and actually appeared to be enjoying themselves. We couldn't have completed the work and provided for the safety of our students without them.
Our buildings are old and the flat roofs that were economic to build so many years ago, were a danger to our students. We were concerned about the snow load capabilities, primarily. We are now dealing with the many leaks into hallways and classrooms. Those are difficult to tolerate and we will have an opportunity to correct those problems with our plant and facility levy in May. However, in the meantime, our students' safety was the primary concern. My hat is off to our Bonner County team, National Guard, and our facilities staff led by Sid Rayfield. Thank you for proving that government can work well in attending to the needs of citizens.
n Dick Cvitanich is superintendent of the Lake Pend Oreille School District,
ARTICLES BY DICK CVITANICH
LPOSD declines chance to raise taxes
Lake Pend Oreille School District trustees and administration agreed at the Sept. 14 board meeting that raising taxes based upon this fall’s enrollment and the state funding formula was not something they would do, despite the opportunity.
Instructional levy cost reflect changing economy
Educational programs in Idaho will be heavily impacted by the projected cuts in state funding to school districts, which were recently voiced by both Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and State Superintendent of Instruction Tom Luna. Half of the state of Idaho's general fund supports public education for K-12 grades. After numerous board meetings, study sessions, and staff/citizen input, the Lake Pend Oreill School Board has decided to move forward with a two-year supplemental instructional levy which totals $10,950,000. The goal of the levy is to soften the impact on students given the projected formidable cuts in state funding. Even with a successful levy effort, our school district will cut over a dozen staff, defer curricular and technology updates and reduce staff in the central office.
LPOSD: Support during snow crisis appreciated
On behalf of the students and staff of the Lake Pend Oreille School District, I would like to thank our county commissioners, director of emergency services, Bob Howard, and the members of the National Guard for all of the assistance we received during the great snowfall this winter. From my very first phone call to the county commissioner's office on a Friday morning, to the arrival of the National Guard on the following Sunday, the action of our county officials was swift and helpful. This included close work with Mr. Howard, who assisted us in a variety of ways through contacts with FEMA and the National Guard. Commissioner Todd Crossett attended our first meeting with the National Guard and the county to make sure we had all of the assistance we needed. Commissioner Lewis Rich personally inspected School to demonstrate his support.