The Coeur d’Alene School Board unanimously approved the ballot language for the proposed $30.25 million levy Monday night, which will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. 

The board also clarified that there was an error on its website about the tax rate for the proposed levy, which has now been corrected.

The information previously stated that the new levy would amount to an average $19 monthly increase per taxpayer based on a property valued at about $545,000. However, the board emphasized that the figure is actually an annual $19 increase per taxpayer, rather than monthly. 

“It’s a big difference, so it’s worth noting,” said Executive Director of Finance Tyler Morton.

The board discussed the importance of clarifying the amount taxpayers can expect to pay under the proposed levy. It noted the benefit of the Property Tax Levy Calculator on its website, which accounts for individuals who qualify for tax exemptions. 

“There’s a lot of individuals that qualify for a Circuit Breaker, some tax breaks who probably aren’t taking advantage of that,” Morton said. “To kinda give more awareness, our tax calculator actually has some information in there which mentions that, and some of the brief qualifications for that.”

According to the Property Tax Levy Calculator, an individual with property valued at $545,000 who qualifies for the $125,000 Idaho homeowner's exemption can expect to pay an estimated total of $382.20 for the year of 2026 under the new levy, compared to $495.95 for individuals who do not qualify for any tax exemptions.

Additionally, Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Mike Nelson presented the results of a 2025-26 report at the meeting, which showed the recent improvements in educational standards in Coeur d’Alene Public Schools. 

Nelson reported a significant decrease in chronic absenteeism throughout the district last school year, with an average 19.72% decrease, as well as an all-time high 80% of students meeting the benchmark for college and career preparedness. He reported that nine out of 16 schools in the district have improved their state rankings since 2022, with seven of the nine increasing by more than 20 places in the state rankings. 

Nelson also reported improvement in the district’s AP programs in 2025-26, with a record number of AP courses offered and an 18% increase in students achieving perfect AP test scores. 

“AP is not just an exam,” Nelson said. “It is part of a culture that admires collegiate career preparedness.”

According to the school district's board of trustees, $7.1 million of the proposed levy funds will be allocated for student academic programs, including AP classes. The proposed levy increase will appear on ballots Nov. 3 for voters to consider.