COEUR d'ALENE - Friday morning saw more good news from negotiations between the school board and Coeur d'Alene Education Association.

This time for the taxpayers.

Not only did both sides approve an amendment that was tentatively agreed upon Thursday night, but during Friday's school board meeting, trustees directed the district to give money back to the taxpayers, too.

"It's not often you hear about a taxing entity that voluntarily gives the revenue back to the taxpayers," Trustee Dave Eubanks said Friday. "This action today by our board may be one for the record books. A great day for our awesome school district, and a great day for our wonderful and supportive community."

Trustees will meet in December to authorize a $450,000 reduction in the amount of property taxes the district will collect next fall. That will offset the amount the district approved in September for an emergency levy.

For Trustee Christa Hazel, the move meets a goal she made the moment she learned of the district's higher-than-anticipated fund balance.

"Hopefully this will be viewed as a win-win in our community," Hazel said. "It is extremely important to take care of not only the teachers, but the taxpayers who have been generous with us."

Hazel added that since the deadline to void the emergency levy approved in September has passed, the board has to take this step to reduce taxes for property owners.

Per district practice, the board agreed that the amendment will also be honored for all staff members - not just certified employees. That means all classified and administrative employees will receive the following:

* A 2-percent base salary increase for all district employees

* Giving a "step," or a scheduled pay increase based on duration of employment, back to employees who did not receive one in previous school years

* A one-time payment of approximately $325 for all benefited employees

"How often do you get a chance to give raises to staff plus give back to taxpayers?" Hazel said. "I am really pleased at the turn of events and where we are now versus six months ago."