WBCSD answers community questions
ERIC WELCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months, 2 weeks AGO
Photo courtesy WEST BONNER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
PRIEST RIVER — Throughout October, West Bonner County School District Superintendent Kim Spacek visited communities across the county for a series of meet and greets to share information about the district’s goals and field questions from stakeholders.
As part of their community outreach initiative, district officials published a document with answers to questions encountered during the meet and greets.
Proposed supplemental levy
Several of the questions received by the district pertained to the proposed $1.13 million supplemental levy that will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot. In its document, the district shared that funds from a successful levy would be used in accordance with the language of the ballot question. That language designates funding for WBCSD’s child nutrition program and the purchase of two new buses. Additionally, it would allow the district to invest in curriculum and cover other costs associated with education.
In response to a common question about the tax burden of the proposed levy, officials noted that West Bonner County School District residents will pay $23 per $100,000 of assessed property value for a one-year duration if the proposed levy passes.
WBCSD officials specified that the reduced size of the levy compared to the $4.68 million supplemental levy rejected in May is due to the removal of $2.80 million in staff salaries and benefits and almost $1 million in facility maintenance and renovations.
The district is currently fundraising to cover the cost of staff and facilities.
Education funding in Idaho
In response to questions regarding the funding of Idaho public schools, WBCSD officials cited a U.S. Census Bureau infographic identifying Idaho as the lowest state of 40 available states per pupil spending for the 2023 fiscal year.
In the document, the district describes Idaho’s current model for funding public schools as insufficient for small towns.
Fiscal accountability
WBCSD’s document provides answers to several community questions centered on responsible spending. District officials stated WBCSD is held accountable through annual audits and its financial system, and that the notion that a forensic audit completed in March found millions of dollars unaccounted for is false.
District officials added that WBCSD has experienced a high rate of turnover in critical financial roles in recent years, but that staff have worked hard to ensure that the district operates efficiently and that records are kept properly.
Questions about the proposed levy or district operations can be directed to board clerk Julie Hinshaw or Spacek.
ARTICLES BY ERIC WELCH
Lake Pend Oreille trustees adopt revised student conduct, medical policies
Members of the board voted unanimously in favor of revisions to Policy 3255, Student Conduct Code, that included language that strengthens the district’s disallowance of electronic or digital bullying. The updated policy also includes a reference to the district’s recently-adopted artificial intelligence policy, which specifies that students must cite their use of AI or risk being punished for plagiarism.
Local student rocket teams to represent Idaho in national competition
To qualify for the national finals, the teams had to create a model rocket that could carry two raw eggs to an altitude of 790 feet, remain airborne for at least 41 seconds but no more than 44 seconds, and deploy a parachute to return the payload to the ground safely.
Sandpoint cuts ribbon on improved public parking lot
City councilors voted April 9 to approve a $434,085 contract for the work, which included new pavement, dark sky-compliant streetlights, expanded ADA access and improved stormwater treatment infrastructure. The money was provided by Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency — an independent board that uses property tax revenue to fund public infrastructure improvements in Sandpoint’s downtown core.