Vote ” For Levy

Twice in 1994, Coeur d’Alene School District voters gave majority support to construction of another middle school - only to be thwarted by Idaho’s two-thirds supermajority rule for bond elections.

In spring 1994, a 20-year bond measure that also included money for Coeur d’Alene High School renovation and for an elementary multipurpose room failed with 60 percent approval. Later, a similar proposal fell despite 56 percent support.

In placing a $9.5 million plant facilities levy before voters Tuesday, the district is seeking approval only for its top priority: a third middle school. The two existing middle schools are a combined 500 students over capacity and growing.

The Spokesman-Review believes the need for another middle school is well-documented, and it recommends approval of the levy. The editorial board also commends the district for taking a pay-as-you-go approach to school construction, which will save taxpayers $6 million in interest payments.

Significantly, the two-year levy requires only 55 percent support for passage. That standard is achievable, although it’s a shame two other worthy projects were cut from this year’s request. It’s also a shame that the supermajority rule twice has blocked the will of Coeur d’Alene residents.

, DataTimes The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = D.F. Oliveria/For the editorial board