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Kudos to the West Bonner County School District voters who braved the weather on March 12. While it’s clear that voters didn’t want a permanent levy, it’s disappointing to see people reject funding our schools. Knowing taxpayers’ concerns and despite increasing costs across the board, WBCSD school boards have held levy amounts at $3,000,000 for the last seven years; the proposed levy rate was expected to decrease by 16.48 percent. Of the 20.17 percent registered voters, 58.9 percent (or 11.2 percent registered), voted against the two-year renewal.

This year much focus was on the 10-year increase in the levy amount. In 2006, the Idaho Legislature changed the school funding mechanism from property to sales taxes. The ensuing impact was felt when the 2008 crash reduced receipts, leaving schools statewide to increase levies to make up shortfalls. The current discussion failed to acknowledge these events.

For our community, it’s critical to provide educational opportunities to help make our area competitive. If we don’t, then we create a situation where we lose talented students and staff; leaving those remaining at an even greater disadvantage. The failure of the March levy didn’t go unnoticed by our students and has created a sense of uncertainty for all. Our community has wonderful young people whom we must celebrate and support by investing in their future.

Action to broaden community input and improve communications among all stakeholders, not just a few, is needed. Working to do so must start now.

Please save the date, vote May 21.

MARGARET W. HALL

Priest Lake