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As a concerned parent, homeowner and community member, I’ve made it a priority to attend meetings where LPOSD Superintendent Shawn Woodward has spoke addressing the upcoming levy vote and its importance to LPOSD.

LPOSD taxpayers should recognize this levy is for the benefit of students and employees not facilities. It’s not permanent. This levy funds one-third of district staff, academic/athletic extracurricular activities, all curriculum, technology, student wellness. LPOSD’s tax rate is 48 percent below others statewide. LPOSD doesn’t receive enough state money to fund necessary programs and staff needs.

Levy failure is far reaching — elimination of 300 jobs (165 full-time positions equivalency); consolidation of outer-lying schools; more students in classrooms, less one-on-one time with teachers; double-shifting from elementary school up; more time on the bus for students in rural areas; more time on the bus, roads for bus drivers; teachers taking on more duties without compensation; the list goes on.

Homes assessed at $200,000, an additional $8 over the next two years; homes assessed at $300,000, an additional $16 over the next two years. I thought about the impact that would have on my child, the impact it would have on my property taxes. It is a minimal price to keep LPOSD moving in a positive direction.

There is the potential of another large employer letting employees go due to financial constraints. What impact would that have on our overall local economy?

Have questions? Ask those who know. I am voting “yes” on March 14 without hesitation.

STEPHANIE RIEF

Sandpoint