Boundary County School District officials breathed a sigh of relief late Tuesday night with the final tally for the May 20 supplemental school levy, as it swept all six precincts, passing with 69 percent of the vote.

“I cannot explain the weight that has been lifted,” said BCSD Superintendent Jan Bayer. “For the first time in a while our staff was all smiles this morning. I’m really proud of our community, and I’m so excited for our youth.” 

Parents, teachers and school administrators pounded the pavement after the November levy failed to spread word that the ballot measure in May would be the district’s last chance to retain all school sports, most extracurricular activities and more for the 2025-2026 school year. 

Key messaging to voters included that it was not a new tax, but a replacement for an existing two-year, $2.4-million levy, and that in ten years, the tax burden has never increased, despite inflation. 

“There were so many people out there trying to get the information out,” Bayer said. “I want to thank the people listening to the professional information and considering that in their vote. We are trying to build stronger relationships within our community, support our youth, meet the needs of everyone and ensure our community is educated.” 

Voter turnout — totaling 3,116 of 8,165 — was the highest it has been in an off-election year, with no presidential or midterm elections, since 2005. The passage rate of 68.6% is the highest it has been since 2000, when a levy passed with 72.11% voting yes. 

The purpose of the levy was $200,000 for safety, security and maintenance; $450,000 for extra/co-curricular activities; $1,385,000 to maintain personnel; $15,000 for field trips; $135,000 for curricular materials; $85,000 for technology; and $130,000 for a new bus. 

In November, only three of the 25 school levies statewide failed, all in North Idaho, the region most underfunded by the state and in need of local dollars to run its public schools. 

But on May 20, all three rerun levies passed in Lakeland, West Bonner and Boundary.  

“It’s really exciting,” Bayer said. “Your vote matters, especially in a small town.”