School administrators across Kootenai County addressed the challenges of state education funding on Tuesday, coinciding with the first day of classes for students throughout North Idaho. As reported by cdapress.com, local superintendents and state officials gathered at The Coeur d’Alene Resort to discuss the financial realities facing public schools in Idaho.
The event, hosted by the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber, featured Dr. Shon Hocker, Superintendent of Coeur d’Alene Public Schools; Debbie Critchfield, Idaho State Superintendent of Public Instruction; Anna Wilson, Post Falls Superintendent; and Jake Massey, Lakeland Interim Superintendent. The discussion centered on a funding model that has remained largely static for decades, leaving many districts reliant on local taxpayer support to maintain baseline operations.
Outdated Funding Formula Drives Local Levies
Idaho’s education funding formula has not undergone significant changes since 1994, with many underlying rules dating back to 1960. Idaho is one of only seven states that fund schools based on average daily attendance, converting student presence into “support units.” This structure means districts lose state funding whenever students are absent from the classroom.
Critchfield noted that while Idaho ranks in the top 25 for academic efficiency, it ranks last in spending per pupil. State funds cover approximately 70% of school costs, with local supplemental levies bridging the remaining gap. Currently, 95 of Idaho’s 115 school districts depend on these local levies to fund standard operations. Additionally, state lottery proceeds are restricted to facility improvements and cannot be used for classroom expenses.
Hocker emphasized that staffing accounts for more than 85% of district expenses. He explained that hiring decisions are typically made in late March or early April, requiring stable revenue projections well before the school year begins. A proposed resolution to adjust levy terms failed to receive discussion in the state House, leaving districts with limited options under current law.
Impact of Attendance-Based Funding on Post Falls
The attendance-based funding model has created significant financial pressure for some North Idaho districts. Wilson highlighted that 85% to 90% of Americans are educated by public schools, making the stability of local funding critical. In Post Falls, the district recorded a 92.6% attendance rate last year. Despite this high mark, the district lost an estimated $4 million in state funding due to absences.
Wilson stated that each absent student costs the district approximately $50 per day in lost state support. This formula results in an approximate 8% funding loss for Kootenai County districts annually. To mitigate these shortfalls, Post Falls is seeking a $13.6 million two-year supplemental levy on the November ballot. This proposal represents a $1.6 million increase over the expiring levy and would add roughly $38.87 to property taxes per $100,000 in valuation, after accounting for state property tax relief.
Coeur d’Alene Seeks Increased Local Support
Coeur d’Alene Public Schools is also pursuing additional local funding through a November ballot initiative. The district is proposing a $60.5 million two-year levy, which marks a $5 million increase over the current expiring measure. If approved by voters, the levy would result in a tax increase of approximately $95 per $100,000 in property valuation.
Hocker indicated that funds from the new levy would be directed toward early learning and kindergarten programs. He noted that the district’s hiring cycle begins in late March or early April, making it essential to secure funding commitments well in advance of the school year. The proposed increase aims to address rising operational costs while maintaining educational quality for students in Coeur d’Alene.
Lakeland District Faces Different Challenges
Not all districts are moving forward with levy increases. Lakeland School District voters rejected a similar proposal in May. Massey, the interim superintendent, joined the panel to discuss the broader implications of funding disparities across the state. With no recent changes to the state’s funding formula, districts like Lakeland must operate within existing revenue constraints.
Hocker suggested that if current levy efforts fail, districts may need to consider re-balloting in May. The reliance on local property taxes remains a contentious issue, as voters weigh the necessity of school funding against rising property values and tax burdens. As the new school year begins, North Idaho educators are urging residents to consider the long-term impact of funding decisions on classroom resources and student outcomes.