You are invited to learn more about our local school levy this week
The election for our 2-year school levy is March 12. That's just two weeks away! We are offering a breakdown of what's in this levy request, and answering your questions, this Tuesday, February 26, from 5 to 6 PM. Superintendent Steven Cook will be at Canfield Middle School (in the library) for this levy presentation. Please stop by and have a treat. Canfield is at 1800 East Dalton Ave. More information is available at www.cdaschools.org/levybond
HAVE 3 MINUTES? CHECK OUT OUR LEVY INFORMATION VIDEOS BELOW...
What our 2-year levy supports now
The proposed two-year levy would provide the school district $20 million per year, or about 23 percent of the district’s annual operating budget. Of that $20 million, $16 million per year would continue to support a wide array of district programs funded through the current levy. These include school resource officers, school nurses, mental wellness efforts, instructional assistants in classrooms, music and art classes, athletics, extracurricular activities, new bus purchases, technology for student use, skilled trades education, building maintenance and groundskeeping.
Mental health support, school security would increase under proposed levy
The proposed levy increase would be dedicated to several priorities, including $1.5 million per year for these programs:
Mental health professionals to provide a greater level of support for students struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and other problems.
An expansion of the School Resource Officer program to provide more coverage of our elementary schools, and possibly adding security personnel to enhance safety on our high school campuses.
Training opportunities for teachers and other employees who are hungry for professional development.
Supplies for classrooms, where many teachers spend money out of their own pockets to buy basic supplies to get through the school year.
Levy also would help with teacher and staff retention, recruitment
If all employees were to receive the same rate of increase, the $2.5 million would provide a raise of about 4 percent. How the pay increase would be applied is subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and ratification of an employment contract with the Coeur d’Alene Education Association.
Three ways to cast your ballot in the March 12 school levy election
Early voting begins TODAY (February 25) at the Kootenai County Elections Office, 1808 North 3rd Street, in Coeur d'Alene. Now through March 8 you may vote early at the elections office, Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM. Remember to bring your current identification!
Voting by absentee ballot: If you are registered to vote and would like an absentee ballot mailed to you, you must submit your request by Friday, March 1. Requests for absentee ballots can be dropped off, mailed, emailed or faxed to the Elections Office. Click here for an absentee ballot request form.
Voting at your polling place: On Tuesday, March 12, voters must go to their designated polling place to cast a ballot. Polls will be open from 8 AM to 8 PM. To find your polling place location, use the Polling Place look-up tool. You may register to vote and cast your ballot on the same day.
More information about voting and voter registration in Kootenai County is available here.
Stay Connected
Email: info@cdaschools.org
Website: www.cdaschools.org
Location: 1400 N. Northwood Center Court
Phone: (208) 664-8241
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cdaschools
Twitter: @cdaschools