Levy needed to address LPOSD facility concerns

On Tuesday night the LPOSD Board of Trustees passed a resolution to ask voters to support a two-year supplemental levy totalling $14.1 million.

This resolution was in response to recommendations made by the Citizen's Facilities Advisory Committee, which has worked very hard since last August. I am grateful for all of the hard work of the committee and the board's willingness to move the projects forward. The board has chosen a prudent course of action that will address multiple needs in the district.

Please consider this an invitation to those of you who have questions about this levy. Call me at 263-5053 for a personal explanation of the proposal or a tour of our school facilities so you can see firsthand what needs will be addressed. I believe that once you see the needs, you will have a better understanding of the proposal. You will then be able to base your decision on facts rather than rumor or unsubstantiated opinion shared by others.

Included in this proposal are $5.1 million to address health and safety needs in every single school in the district. These include such items as asbestos removal, roofing, water lines, rubberized playground surfaces, and improved heating systems. $1.2 million would be directed to Sagle Elementary School to increase classroom space for instruction. This is important because it is anticipated that the area south of the Long Bridge will continue to grow. The current portables will remain to address future needs. $6.8 million will be directed to add classroom space, a gymnasium, kitchen and office area to complete Kootenai Elementary. This will allow us to relieve overcrowding at both Farmin Stidwell and Washington Elementary schools. Again, the portables will remain should the Kootenai service area continue to grow. Finally, $1 million will be dedicated as construction inflation contingency.

Your understanding of this measure will be critical as our district moves forward to improve our school infrastructure. I look forward to discussing this proposed levy with our entire community. We believe quality schools make for a quality community.

DICK CVITANICH

Superintendent

Lake Pend Oreille School District