Balance NI backs bonds & levies

The Balance North Idaho (BNI) Board of Directors voted unanimously to support the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Lakeland school districts’ bonds and levies.

The districts are asking for taxpayer support in funding levies (for school district operations) and bonds or plant-facility levies (for facility improvements allowing schools to better serve the growing number of children and make needed updates to facilities).

“Properly funding education must to be a top priority of our state in order for Idaho’s kids to compete in the workforce.  Additionally having facilities that are adequate for housing the students in order to provide the best educational environment within their means is also a contributing factor to educational success,” said Eden Irgens, Board President. “While we support these because they are vital to the education of our N. Idaho students, it’s important to note that according to a 2014 IdahoEdNews.org article, ‘Since July 1, 2007 –school districts have backfilled their budgets with more than $1 billion in supplemental property tax levies.’  This is unacceptable.  It’s time for our legislators to properly fund the education of our children vs relying so heavily on taxpayers.