RATHDRUM, Idaho – The Lakeland School District is facing significant financial challenges after voters rejected a proposal to replace the supplemental levy.
With 50.6% of voters against the levy and 49.4% in favor, the district now needs to find nearly $20 million over the next two years. The rejection of the levy has sparked discussions in the community about potential budget cuts.
Kristine Reynolds, the owner of a hair and nail salon, hears the chatter through clients that work at the district.
“What I believe the school has told the students is far as sports the C-Team would get cut. There would only be enough budget for JV and varsity,” Reynolds said.
The supplemental levy has been crucial for the district, filling an funding gap left behind by the state – Idaho only funds school district budgets in proportion to the average attendance rate.
Lakeland averages 92% attendance, according to the district. The supplemental levy is intended to cover that 8% gap to fully fund essentials including bus routes, school resource officers, and textbooks.
The current levy expires next summer just before the 2025-26 school year. The Idaho State Legislature recently consolidated election dates to only May and November; the district has one more opportunity to propose the levy before facing a funding shortfall.
