East Bonner Also Faces Levy Decision

Along with choosing a school trustee, voters in the East Bonner County School District will be asked to decide a $1.26 million supplemental levy in Tuesday’s election.

The levy is intended to maintain the staff level and student-teacher ratios and retain daytime custodians.

It’s also designated for instructional materials, including new textbooks and curriculum development. More teacher training and extracurricular staff also are part of the package.

The money would help the newly formed District 84 start off with cash in the bank and pay off debt incurred with the district split.

The Bonner County School District will formally split into two districts on July 1.

“This district has always run on a credit card,” said business manager Steve Battenschlag, explaining that school officials want to avoid that financial trap with the newly formed district. The levy would be for one year and would replace a $1.38 million levy approved last fall.

The last levy paid for 12 new school buses, instructional materials and teaching staff. Nineteen full or part-time teachers and teachers’ aides were also hired.

The new levy would mean $24.27 to $33.70 for owners of a home with a taxable value of $50,000, depending on their tax bracket. The owner of a home assessed at $125,000 would pay from $60.67 to $84.26.

Voters can visit any of the polling places to vote on the levy, but to vote on the trustee election they must vote at the polling place closest to home.

Polls are open from noon to 8 p.m. at the following locations: Clark Fork Junior/Senior High, Garfield Bay Water and Sewer District Building, Hope Elementary, Kootenai Elementary, Northside Elementary, Sagle Elementary, Samuels Fire Station, Sandpoint High, Farmin/Stidwell Elementary, Washington Elementary and Southside Elementary.