Post Falls' student population has declined for the first time in at least 20 years, while Lakeland's is on the rise for the first time in six.

With the Lakeland Joint School District having a total of 80 more students than a year ago at this time, its school board approved an emergency levy of $313,761 to handle the increase.

"This growth comes after six years of flat or declining enrollment," said Tom Taggart, Lakeland's finance director. "I think it has to do with the economy improving and families being able to find work and stay in the area."

For the owner of a $275,000 home, the levy will cost taxpayers $28 per year.

"The emergency levy is a one-year levy and then it goes away," Taggart said.

Emergency levies are local property tax levies just like supplemental levies. However, emergency levies do not require a public vote.

The proceeds can be used for any purpose, the same as supplemental levies. However, the money is one-time funding, so most districts don't use the funds for ongoing expenses.

"We will be adding paraprofessional time and some part-time teaching positions," said Taggart, referring to how the funds will be spent. "There are also additional costs for supplies and textbooks."

Lakeland's student enrollment is 4,152.

"The growth is spread out across the district," Taggart said. "We have a number of overcrowded classrooms at schools throughout the district. We are looking at each situation and discussing solutions with the principals."

Here's the enrollment at individual Lakeland schools and how it compares to last year:

* John Brown Elementary, 335, up 12.

* Athol Elementary, 338, down six.

* Spirit Lake Elementary, 315, up eight.

* Garwood Elementary, 316, down 13.

* Betty Kiefer Elementary, 462, up 12.

* Twin Lakes Elementary, 271, up 11.

* Lakeland Junior High, 421, up 27.

* Timberlake Junior High, 304, up 31.

* Lakeland High, 771, down 17.

* Timberlake High, 523, up 14.

* Mountain View Alternative High, 94, down two.

"During the period of decline, most of the loss of students occurred at the elementary level," Taggart said. "It now appears we are seeing some younger families moving into the area."

At Post Falls, which has 57 fewer students, an emergency levy wasn't sought.

But Superintendent Jerry Keane believes the decrease won't last long.

"Looking at the community growth and housing starts, I believe student enrollment will grow," he said. "We will probably see growth during the school year."

Post Falls' enrollment this year is at 5,588.

"A good share of that decrease can be attributed to the lower kindergarten numbers this year - 409," said Keane, adding that the Frederick Post Kindergarten had 440 last year.

Post Falls High also declined 28 students to 1,447 this year.

Prairie View Elementary, with 660 students, continues to be overcrowded.

"We already have six portable classrooms at that site," Keane said.

Another school with growing pains is River City Middle School, which has 560 students, 30 more than last year.

"River City's enrollment is up considerably due to a large fifth-grade class moving up to sixth," Keane said. "That movement has caused there to be a little more room at the elementary schools than we had last year."

Enrollment at other Post Falls schools is flat, with Ponderosa Elementary at 525; Seltice Elementary, 345; Mullan Trail Elementary, 330; West Ridge Elementary, 410; New Vision Alternative High, 120; and Post Falls Middle School, 725.

Keane said the school board in November is expected to discuss seeking voter approval of a March bond levy proposal for facility improvements to deal with the crowding issues at Prairie View and River City. A supplemental levy proposal will also be discussed in late fall or early winter.