The Coeur d’Alene Education Partnership will present the fifth annual State of the District Community Forum, in partnership with Coeur d’Alene School District 271. The event is 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the Community Room of the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. Parents, teachers, students, and community members are invited to attend.

“The timing for this year’s event is ideal,” said CEP President Nancy Hart. “Our community will have the opportunity to vote on a levy and a bond on March 14. The State of the District forum will allow for voters to gain a better understanding of the needs of our schools and why the passage of the levy and bond are critical in funding day-to-day operations, addressing growth needs, and promoting safety and equity within our schools.”

The evening will begin with an overview from Superintendent Matt Handelman as to how levy and bond funds will be used, highlighting the unique opportunity the district has at this time to pass a $35.5 million bond without increasing tax rates. District administration will also present student performance data.

Following the district report, CEP will present a panel discussion focusing on the past, present, and future trends of public school funding in Idaho. Panelists include former state Sens. Mary Lou Reed and John Goedde, and State Board of Education member Don Soltman.

“Funding for education in Idaho has always been a three-part system,” Goedde said. “The federal government contributes the least but demands the most control. State government expends around 60 percent of its budget on K-20 education with the rest coming from local property taxes. All three sources of funding are now demanding more accountability and that, in my opinion, is a good thing as long as the measures of accountability are fair to everyone involved.”

The evening includes an opportunity for those in attendance to ask questions of the panel.

Refreshments will be provided.

The Coeur d’Alene Education Partnership is an independent, nonprofit partnership driven by the belief every student in the district deserves a public education of the highest quality. It works to unite individuals, businesses, and organizations in support of excellence in public education, to keep the community informed about educational developments, and to advocate on a local and state level for superior public schools.