Same Price Tag On Levy, But Impact May Be Less

The Coeur d’Alene School District will ask voters to approve a two-year supplemental levy this spring.

The amount is the same as voters approved last time: $2.97 million each year. But because of an increase in the amount of property taxed in the district, there would be a slight drop in the amount of tax each household pays if the measure passes.

The owner of the average home would pay $6.67 less per month, said Dave Teater, assistant superintendent.

The School Board approved the levy Monday. Election day is May 20, the same day as school trustee elections.

The money will be used for textbooks, supplies and some salaries. Superintendent Doug Cresswell noted that the district has asked for supplemental levies since 1980, and has lost only one. A simple majority vote is needed for approval.

The trustees voted three to one in favor of the levy. Board member Herb Cheeley cast the no vote.

“I want money added to this levy, dedicated to training teachers,” he said.

Members Vern Newby and Edie Brooks objected, saying that they want to hold the line on property taxes. Chairwoman Wanda Quinn agreed, but asked district administrators to look for ways to boost teacher training next year without increasing the total budget.

The levy, if passed, would represent 8.3 percent of the district’s budget.

In other business, the board awarded a $7.95 million contract for construction of a third middle school to the Spokane firm of Leone & Keeble. That’s about $600,000 less than anticipated, Teater said.

A ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. next Monday at the corner of Kathleen Avenue and Atlas Road.

, DataTimes