On March 14, patrons, residents and taxpayers of Coeur d’Alene SD No. 271 have the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to quality public education by voting YES twice on the district’s maintenance and operations levy and a construction bond.

The M&O levy (requiring 50 percent+1 votes) represents 22 percent of the district’s operating budget and supports learning opportunities for students that our community considers standard practice and basic needs. The construction bond (requiring 66.67 percent!) is the only way our district can raise money for construction to meet the 2-3 percent annual student population growth (200-300 students/year) our area is experiencing — the Idaho Legislature provides NO funding for school construction. The bond will affect more than 50 percent of our students through the construction of a new elementary and significant renovations at four schools, all without increasing current property tax rates.

Neither the bond nor the levy impacts educator salaries (other than positions in levy-funded programs). Both have a direct impact on student learning through reductions in class size and providing resources for educational materials and professional development, student safety and access to quality services from special needs through to Advanced Learning.

The Coeur d’Alene Education Association strongly supports both the levy and the bond and encourages all voters to participate and vote YES twice on March 14! Thank you to Coeur d’Alene residents for your active support of high-quality public education in our community. And many thanks to Lisa May, Steve Casey and Citizens for Coeur d’Alene Schools, the Coeur d’Alene Education Partnership, and the District’s Long Range Planning Committee for their work to build the future of SD No. 271.

DEREK KOHLES

LCHS Educator

CEA President