Lakeland Voters Reject School Levy

Voters struck down a school levy in the Lakeland School District that’s been in place for 40 years. Voters said no to a plant facility levy that funds school repairs, buying equipment and new school buses. The levy needed 55 percent voter approval. It got just under 53. It came as a surprise to the school district, which asked voters to approve the 10-year levy which would’ve amounted to $905,000. The lack of support surprised parents like Melissa Shirley who said, “I’m kind of shocked. You would think they want the best for their kids. I know I do”/ Anusha Roy , KXLY. More here.

Question: The Lakeland School District has enjoyed the support of patrons for as long as I’ve been in North Idaho. This is a surprising result. Anyone know what went wrong? Is this a sign of the times (despite levies winning in Kellogg and Wallace)? Or a sign that the demography of the Lakeland district is changing?