Local Control Means Local Responsibility
- Katie Mosman
- May 18, 2024
- 3 min read
Local control over school funding means we are responsible for our schools' success and our community’s prosperity. By voting YES for the SD244 levy, we can secure the long-term vitality of our local economy and ensure our children receive robust education opportunities.
Why is This Levy So Important?
The past four failed levies have had devastating consequences: athletic transportation cuts, seven eliminated teaching positions, and the closure of Clearwater Valley Middle School. Our financial reserves are depleted. If the May 21 levy fails, we face a $2.9 million shortfall, leading to more school closures and extracurricular cuts, further damaging our community.
Since HB1 was passed in 2006, local communities have been responsible for a significant portion of school funding through levies. This ensures that funds raised stay here, directly benefiting our children and boosting our local economy. Most Idaho districts understand this, with 91% of levies passing in the last four years. We can't afford to be the exception.
The Economic Impact
A public school, especially in a rural community, acts as a significant economic driver. The strength of the public school system often mirrors the economic vitality of the area. It attracts medical professionals, businesses, and families. A struggling school system, however, makes it harder to attract and retain these essential professionals. Since 2020, Syringa has lost six healthcare providers. The new MD starts in July, finally replacing Dr. Griffis after 34 months. Failing another levy risks further loss of essential services and professionals, undermining our community's health and stability.
When House Bill 1 shifted the responsibility of funding education to local communities, it gave us the power (and therefore, duty) to directly invest in our schools and our future through local levies. This model ensures that funds raised stay here, directly benefiting our children and boosting our local economy. Additionally, a significant portion of private land in Idaho County is owned by non-residents, funneling new money into the local economy.
What Local Control Means
Idaho is a local control state, and the public education funding model relies on supplemental levies. This year, for the Mountain View School District, it means keeping Clearwater Valley High School and Elk City K-8 School open and maintaining the same educational experiences our students receive today. Robust education opportunities that give kids the chance to cultivate and apply knowledge and skills help them build more productive lives and make them competitive for scholarships.
Affordable Investment
Idaho County property tax rates are the lowest in the state, making our levy request modest in comparison to other districts. For example, the Mountain View School District levy is $182 per $100,000 of assessed home value, lower than many neighboring districts. With the buydown from HB521 (The School District Facility Fund IC33-911), will be further reduced to less than $130/$100,000 of assessed home value.
The Consequences of Failure
If the levy fails, severe cuts will be enforced, likely including the closure of Clearwater Valley High School and Elk City School, staff layoffs, and reductions in academic programs and extracurricular activities. These cuts will weaken our community and local businesses, causing long-term detrimental effects on our future.
The Mountain View School District levy is essential to maintaining the basics. It’s our last chance to keep the Friday Night Lights on, the Christmas concerts alive, and the legacy of generations of local alumni. By voting YES for the levy, we’re choosing to keep our schools—and our communities—intact, thriving, and resilient. Let’s support our children, schools, and the future we believe in. This vote is our chance to show what truly matters to us. Let’s make the right choice together.