Support CdA levy

I am writing in support of the upcoming March supplemental levy for the Coeur d’Alene School District, and I ask others to do the same.

The Idaho Legislature does not adequately fund public education, arguably to the extent of not fulfilling its constitutional mandate. The long-term solution involves revamping how the state funds public education and, hopefully, this will happen.

However, the short-term reality is that our local community is asked to make up for this underfunding through levies. Under the current funding mechanism, there is no other way.

This particular supplemental levy is to replace outdated materials with new curriculum and textbooks, reduce class size, expand all-day kindergarten, add health care and counseling support, increase substitute pay, and to support students with other programs and services. To a property owner with a $200,000 home, this supplemental levy will cost add about $30 per year.

The decision is not difficult. Do I support spending an additional $30 in a year to support our children in public schools? Yes.

Sometimes it is difficult for me to support Idaho legislators. It is never difficult for me to support Idaho children.

Ben Peressini

Coeur d’Alene