Careful thought led to plant facility levy decision

Every time the board sets out to work on the budget we find ourselves trying to balance our upward trajectory in student achievement against the monetary requests and impact on our local community. How far can the budget be trimmed and streamlined and still maintain the good work of the staff and students? It is a responsibility that we take seriously.

Part of the budget process is maintaining the buildings that house our staff and students. As part of that process the board decided it was necessary to get an outside qualified assessment on the state of our facilities. The Superintendent assembled a committee consisting of staff, parents and patrons and brought in an outside consulting firm to assess our facilities.

This process started one year ago at the Aug. 25 board meeting. The committee’s work was completed and presented to the board in January of this year.

Over the years, we have done a great job of maintaining our facilities. The “curb appeal” is good, but when you get into the current condition of a long list of considerations we had several buildings that are at the end of their lifecycle.

So, what defines the tipping point when it is prudent to rebuild as opposed to remodel? If the cost to correct the building condition deficiencies, functional deficiencies and current education requirements exceeds 80 percent of the cost of new construction it is recommended to start anew. We are well past that.

Also, one of the considerations in a major remodel is the cost of the unknown.

Another very important consideration in using the bones of 50- 60-year-old buildings is that they were designed for fewer students per room than what we have today. The functional aspects do not align with current practices.

The state of Idaho is obligated to provide for new buildings. They have chosen to pass that responsibility along to local taxpayers. While I don’t agree with their methods, we need to play the hand we’re dealt.

Asking our local families, friends and neighbors to fund the schools is the single hardest decision we face as a board. We grappled with this particular decision for months.

In the end, it was readily apparent that the best use of taxpayers’ funds was to rebuild.

The deliberations, discussions and conclusions of the board were all done in public meetings. All of the reports and presentations have been posted on our website.

Contrary to the anti-public school group that has engaged in a misinformation campaign complete with dirty tricks and false statements the process has been open, serious and deliberative.

We stand on a solid track record of sound fiscal management, including financial audits of A-plus. We came in on time and under budget on the last plant facilities levy. We went through a thorough and deliberate process that concluded with the request we will put in front of the voters on Aug. 30. Please support the district as we continue on our trek to be the number one school district in the state of Idaho.

If you’re not sure about the facts please visit our website or feel free to call Superintendent Shawn Woodward at 208-263-2184, ext. 1015. He would be happy to answer any questions you have. Thank you for your continued support.

STEVE YOUNGDAHL

Sandpoint

Lake Pend Oreille School Board

Chairman