Businesses and key officials in Kootenai County are lauding the funding proposals voters approved for three school districts on Tuesday.

"It has significant meaning," said Steve Wilson, CEO and president of the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce, referring to the bond passed for the Coeur d'Alene School District.

The $32.7 million bond in Coeur d'Alene, which passed with 71.64 percent approval, will improve five schools and allow for technology upgrades.

The impact of the significant infrastructure improvements will be felt across the community, Wilson said.

"I think as you try to evolve and grow a business community, and a community in general, quality education is vital," he said. "If we're a community that's going to look to be a brand leader in many areas, we need to maintain excellent schools."

He noted that Coeur d'Alene schools have fallen into greater disrepair than many had realized.

"I think the school board and school district did wonderful jobs to simply point out the facts," he said.

Wilson believes the bond passed with such overwhelming support because of residents' general approach to standards, he added.

"We see ourselves as a community that is successful and tries to maintain high standards, and our quality of life," he said. "Simply pointing the fact out that we've slipped in that area, the community responded and did so in the fashion I've certainly come to appreciate over the 29 years I've lived here."

The bond will be paid off over 13 years.

Also getting the nod was a Lakeland plant facility levy of $800,000 per year for five years that will fund building repairs, energy efficiency improvements, equipment, buses and classroom furniture and a $2 million, 10-year bond in the Kootenai district for a wastewater treatment project.

Tim Komberec, CEO of Empire Airlines, said his business supported this round of levies because it's critical to keep schools in good condition.

"We have families in all three districts and felt that they are important for the sake of those families," Komberec said. "I relate it to my own business. If I let my business facilities deteriorate, I'll eventually have a crummy business. You have to appreciate the infrastructure."

Komberec said schools, businesses and residents are all tied together. What affects one, affects the other.

"If you don't take care of your K-12 education, you're not going to be good (in other areas)," he said.

None of the measures will raise taxes due to other levies and bonds expiring in the districts.

Idaho is one of the few states that does not give funding support for building schools and renovations. School districts are expected to finance such projects with general obligation bonds or plant facility levies authorized by local voters.

Sen. John Goedde, R-Coeur d'Alene, said he believes the Coeur d'Alene outcome illustrates the importance the public places on quality education.

"In our district, the quality of buildings should not vary much from one area of town to another and, unfortunately, the older buildings are found in downtown neighborhoods," Goedde said. "Coeur d'Alene voters opted to make the situation more equitable. Capital expenditures have traditionally been a local responsibility and our voters accepted the charge."

Major renovations will be made for Borah, Bryan, Sorensen and Winton elementary schools and Canfield Middle School.

None of the school district measures can be used for salaries or operating expenses.