Cd'A meeting to focus on school funding

The Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber will host a special Breakfast Connect on Tuesday, Sept. 8, featuring Idaho State Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield alongside the superintendents of Kootenai County's three largest public school districts for a conversation about how Idaho funds public education.

The event is scheduled from 7 to 9 a.m. at The Coeur d'Alene Resort and will feature:

• Dr. Shon Hocker, superintendent, Coeur d'Alene School District 271

• Jake Massey, superintendent, Lakeland School District 272

• Anna Wilson, superintendent, Post Falls School District 273

More than 90% of Idaho's K-12 students attend public schools, yet many Idahoans are unfamiliar with the state's unique school funding model, a press release said. Idaho relies on voter-approved operations levies to fund a significant portion of many school districts' day-to-day operations.

During Breakfast Connect, attendees will gain a better understanding of how Idaho's public school funding system works, why operations levies have become necessary for many districts and how education funding impacts students, families, employers, and the long-term vitality of our communities, the release said. 

The discussion is intended to educate — not advocate — and provide factual, nonpartisan information to help residents better understand one of Idaho's most important public policy issues, the release said.

"Idaho's school funding model is unlike that of most other states, and it's often misunderstood," said Linda Coppess, president and CEO of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber. "Because our local school districts rely on recurring operations levies, it's important that our community understands how the funding system works before those measures appear on the ballot."

Hocker said Idaho's school funding system is complex.

"We're grateful to the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber for creating a forum where community members can hear directly from education leaders, ask questions, and better understand how state funding and local operations levies work together to support students," he said. 

Presented by Bank of America, Breakfast Connect is one of the Chamber's signature monthly programs,

Registration is available at 208-664-3194 or www.cdachamber.com.

"Education has long been the Chamber's number one public policy priority because a strong public education system is essential to developing tomorrow's workforce and maintaining a healthy economy," Coppess said. "This conversation is about providing facts, building understanding, and helping our community make informed decisions."

    Hocker
  

    Wilson
  

    Massey