School Crossroads Citizens Across The Valley Will Get The Chance On Feb. 6 To Vote Up Or Down On Funding Measures For Schools

In less than two weeks, Valley residents will vote on construction bonds and operating levies in the Central Valley, East Valley and West Valley school districts.

Central Valley school officials are asking voters to approve a $19.5 million, two-year levy that would help pay the district’s day-to-day operating costs.

CV also has proposed a $23.28 million bond that would pay for construction of a new elementary school at Liberty Lake, renovation of Bowdish Junior High, improvements to South Pines Elementary and University High School, and other projects throughout the district.

East Valley school officials are asking for approval of an $8.98 million, two-year levy, and an $11.97 million bond. The bond would pay for renovation of Trent Elementary and add 16 new classrooms.

West Valley school officials are asking voters to approve a $7.5 million, two-year levy, and a $4.2 million bond that would build 16 new classrooms at elementary schools.

Are these requests crucial to a continued quality education for the Valley’s young people? Or are educators asking for what they want, not what they need?

Inside today’s Valley Voice, the superintendents of the three school districts explain why they believe passage of the levies and bonds is important.

A past president of the Valley Chamber of Commerce, who now serves on the chamber’s business/education committee, offers another perspective on the matter.

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