Woodland Middle School eighth-grader Emily Duncan rides the bus to the school in Coeur d’Alene on Monday. The Coeur d’Alene School Board is considering reducing the amount of the school district’s supplemental levy, which is up for renewal in March. Trustees are looking at some tough decisions, such as eliminating the bus department and turning transportation over to a private vendor. (SR photo: Kathy Plonka)

Concerned about the weak economy and taxpayer fatigue, the Coeur d’Alene School Board is considering lowering the amount of the school district’s supplemental tax levy, which comes up for renewal in March. Doing so would compound a serious budget shortfall – estimated at between $2 million and $3 million – for the coming school year due to declining income tax and sales tax revenues in Idaho. Board members are mulling some difficult cuts, such as eliminating the school bus department and turning student transportation over to a private company, and further reducing employee health care benefits/Scott Maben, SR. More here.

Question: Would you support a cost-saving move to privatize bus transportation in the Coeur d'Alene School District?