School District Asks Voters For $724,000 New Computers, Alternative High School, Buses On Wish List

FOR THE RECORD: August 29, 2000: Figures wrong: An article in Monday’s newspaper incorrectly stated some plans for proceeds from a $724,000 supplemental bond levy if it passes today. The West Bonner County School District would spend $10,000 each year on testing, $70,000 for new computers and $45,000 for textbooks.

Voters in the new West Bonner County School District go to the polls for the first time in the district’s history Tuesday.

The district, which split off from the Bonner County School District last year, is asking for $724,000 in supplemental cash during the next two years to pay for new computers, an alternative high school and buses.

Polls are open from noon to 8 p.m. at various locations in the district.

For taxpayers owning a $100,000 home, their tax bill would increase by $47.08 a year, said Superintendent Joe Malletta.

If the levy passes, the district has these plans for the cash each year:

$40,000 per year would go toward testing;

$42,000 would pay the salary and benefits of a technology coordinator for the schools;

$50,000 would be dedicated to new computer purchases for labs in all five schools;

$20,000 per year would be set aside for staff training;

$10,000 would be used for summer work on curriculum;

$35,000 would be spent each year for textbooks;

$25,000 would be dedicated to the start-up of the new alternative school;

$40,000 per year would help pay for new buses;

$100,000 would go toward facility improvements and down payments on new property for central school district facilities.

The district, which includes Priest River and outlying areas, begins its second school year Sept. 5.