Lakeland levy vote Tuesday

Lakeland School District voters will decide Tuesday whether to approve a two-year, $3.9 million levy.

Officials say the extra $1.95 million per year is needed because enrollment growth in the 4,400-student district has slowed, causing state funding to stagnate.

“We’ve looked at our overall budget and our fund balance at this time and we have a shortfall of $1.7 million to $1.9 million,” said Lakeland Assistant Superintendent Brad Murray.

Levy money would be used to maintain existing staff and programs, not enhance them, Murray said.

“If the levy does not pass, the cuts would be severe and substantial,” he explained.

But Murray would not provide much in the way of specifics about what positions or programs would be eliminated if the levy fails. He did note that the cuts would likely be made across the board and involve staff positions, since about 90 percent of the district’s budget pays for salaries and benefits.

If it passes, the levy funds would account for about 8 percent of the district’s overall budget for the next two years.

No organized supporting or opposing campaigns have formed over the issue.

A random group of district residents contacted about the issue had differing views, but most said they would vote for the levy.

“As a semiretired taxpayer, I’m never thrilled about tax increases. On the other hand, I believe that we need to support schools just on principle,” said Gail Johnson.

Rathdrum residents Dan and Cory English have grandchildren attending Lakeland schools. They, too, support the levy as a “reasonable expense to maintain good schools.”

When asked what the district is doing to trim expenses and keep its budget in check, Murray cited one example of frugality as the district’s focus on keeping its buildings as energy efficient as possible.

Next week’s vote on the levy is unlikely to be the last say on the matter.

If the levy fails, Murray said the district will probably put the measure on the ballot again later this year. And if it passes, another levy may be in store in the future.

Murray said officials don’t foresee a dramatic change in the district’s financial picture in the near future. That means it’s very likely that in two years they would ask for the levy to be renewed.