Dr. Lonnie Barber is the superintendent of the Blaine County School District.
By DR. LONNIE BARBER
The Blaine County School District is seeking voter approval for a facilities levy on Oct. 29. We understand that we are in a very difficult economic time, but how can we afford not to invest in our public education system? Even in difficult times, our children need the very best education that we can give them, and as your superintendent, it is my duty to ensure that our schools continue to satisfy that mission.
These are our community's schools. We have spent the last two years engaged with the community in designing the future of our schools through a very progressive strategic planning process intended to make our schools the very best that they can be. The strategic planning process had an unprecedented level of community involvement with over 100 citizens evaluating over 6,000 comments that led to 10 goals. Our vision is to be a model school district, and our ability to implement the strategic plan will take the district to the next level. I am dedicated to helping achieve this ambitious goal.
There is no doubt that achieving the goals set out by our strategic plan come with a cost. The facilities levy is an important part of funding these goals. The levy will allow us to dedicate over $10 million to new technologies in our schools over the next 10 years. It will also allow us to spend nearly $3 million to help ensure that our schools are the very safest environments for our children. Additionally, the levy will ensure that we have the resources to maintain and improve our existing facilities so they are the kind of schools that provide optimum learning conditions for our students. The facilities levy also allows the school district to maximize the use of the general fund for teacher salaries, professional development and curricular needs.
The facilities levy will also help our struggling economy. First, model schools attract more families who in turn purchase more homes. This is why the Sawtooth Board of Realtors asks the district to speak to them each year about the state of our schools. Realtors know full well that a vital school system is essential to the viability of our community. Additionally, this levy will act as a local stimulus package for our valley. The approximately $30 million that will be spent on facility improvements and upgrades represents a potential boost to local contractors because the school district is dedicated to hiring local contractors who are qualified to do the work.
The school district is committed to responsible business practices. As such, we will not spend tax dollars if not needed. If the anticipated need for a new elementary school is not realized, that is if student enrollment stays steady or declines over the next few years, we will not collect the projected $14 million earmarked for that school.
Investing in our students is the solution to our economic challenges. We are educating the next generation of leaders right now. Blaine County is fortunate to have the lowest tax rate in Idaho, and because this levy is replacing an existing levy and expiring bond, it will not raise current taxes. The 8 percent of the yearly budget that the levy represents is vital to the maintenance and ongoing operations of the school district. Please take the time to become informed about the upcoming plant facilities levy.
