The Lakeland Joint School District's plant facilities levy failed Tuesday.

The measure would have provided up to $3 million per year in funds for school improvements over five years.  

Interim Superintendent Jake Massey said the district will need to forge ahead with new ways to maintain its schools. 

“Right now, we do not have a solution for a lot of things necessary repairs that are needed,” Massey said. “We have an obligation to our community and to our students to do the best we can with what we have and so that’s what we’ll continue to do.”  

A majority of voters opposed the measure, with 4,857 no votes (57%) and 3,643 yes votes (43%).

As of press time, full results from Bonner County were not yet filed. 

The measure required at least 55% of voters to pass the 2026 levy request. 

Lakeland's last plant facilities levy, which supported capital improvements at $1.14 million per year for two years, expired June 30, 2025.  

“We want to express gratitude for everybody who came out to vote and for those who seriously considered the ballot measure,” Massey said. “We’re going to go back to the drawing board of how we’re going to care for our facilities. “ 

The levy funding will assist with a multi-year plan for facility improvements, safety upgrades and maintenance at the district's 11 schools in Rathdrum, Spirit Lake, Athol, Garwood and Twin Lakes.  

“We equate it to taking care of it like a homeowner would, these things are not the fun upgrades. These are the things that keep your home livable for the next 30 years,” Massey said. 

Many of the improvements include flooring, plumbing, HVAC systems and roof replacements. 

“Regardless of your feelings about whatever else is going on in the district, this is what it is. It is very black and white,” Massey said. “This money cannot be used to be spent on people’s salaries. This money cannot be used to support programs that you agree or disagree with. This money can only go towards facilities.” 

Massey said that he was greatly encouraged by the productive conversations he had during district talks about the levy. 

“Our priority has just been to communicate information and for people to know the facts and that approach I believe has really served us well,” Massey said. “All three of the town hall events we’ve held and interactions with the community groups, all of these contacts have been very positive.”