March 25, 1998 in Idaho

Cda Board Approves $19.81 Million Levy Funds Would Be Used To Modernize Cda High, Build Elementary School

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The Coeur d’Alene School Board approved a four-year, $19.81 million levy proposal Tuesday that will designate more than $10 million to renovate Coeur d’Alene High School.

High school administrators and parents shouted “Yes!” and hugged one another after the board voted 4-1 to send the proposal to voters in a May 19 election. Board member Herb Cheeley abstained.

In addition to the high school modernization, the proposed levy would raise $4.8 million for a new elementary school in the northwest area of the city, $2.1 million for additions to Dalton Elementary School and $2.4 million for emergency needs and playground equipment.

“The parents rallied,” Coeur d’Alene High Principal Steve Casey said.

“This is not an easy issue. It’s an emotional issue. We’re going to pass this thing.”

The district’s long-range planning committee had originally recommended the four-year proposal to finish modernization at Coeur d’Alene High.

But the committee decided earlier this month that voters would not support such a large measure and asked the board to approve a two-year, $10 million levy that would have provided $2.5 million for renovations at the almost 30-year-old high school.

But the tide of public support changed over the past several weeks, Superintendent David Rawls said.

“Lately it seems everyone from the pizza delivery man to the board chairwoman supported the four-year proposal,” Rawls said.

“I will work my hardest to make this work for the community.”

Parents and board members said the levy would even out the disparity between the aging Coeur d’Alene High and the sparkling, 4-year-old Lake City High School.

“They’re giving the community what’s been promised for years,” parent Julie Crandall said.

“Now it’s up to us to pass it. This is so healing for the community.”

Voters must approve the levy by a 55 percent majority for it to pass. Under state law, only bond issues require a supermajority of 66.7 percent to pass. School construction funded by a levy does not require a supermajority vote.

, DataTimes

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