Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
REARDAN – Three options for the 2021-2024 levy were discussed at the school board meeting Sept. 30.
Currently, the levy is set around $1.3 million per year, which equates to $2.08 per $1,000 of assessed property value within the district.
All three options would set the rate at 2.10 for 2021, before a change in 2022-2024.
The first option would be a significant tax reduction. The rate would decrease to 1.75, which would put the levy amount at $1,133,402 in 2022, $1,184,405 in 2023 and $1,237,703 in 2024, according to a levy analysis and rate setting shared at the board meeting.
Under this option, current services could be maintained, but growth opportunities would be quite limited.
The second option would also be a slight tax reduction, but not as significant as the first option. The rate would drop to 2.00, putting the levy at $1,295,317 in 2022, $1,353,606 in 2023 and $1,414,519 in 2024.
Under this option, revenue would allow for modest coaching increases and a District investment in Title IX, according to the analysis.
The third option would be a tax increase, up to 2.50. That would equate to $1,619,146 in 2022, $1,692,008 in 2023 and $1,768,148 in 2024.
This option would allow for coaching increases, Title IX investment, improved extracurricular equipment and enhanced community access for extra curricular events and facility use.
Many board members felt that a priority of increasing tax dollars under the third option would need to be enhancing Internet accessibility within the district. That was also the top priority of community members, according to a survey Sobotta sent out about the levy.
Most board members thought that the first option was not viable for the district, and the top option discussed was the second option, though some favored the third. Others agreed that Internet accessibility needed to be a priority, but didn’t know if the tax increase under the third option would provide enough Internet to make a large difference.
No action was reached by the board, as the item on the agenda was merely discussion. The board approved the resignation of Knowledge Bowl coach Angela Adams.
Superintendent’s Report
Sobotta’s superintendent report related that enrollment is at 655 when the district budgeted for 610. That has created a physical space issue, as the buildings are now mostly out of space while still being able to meet local and state health guidelines.
A “Joe Mann committee” consisting of Sobotta, Rick Perleberg and JoLynn Ray has been formed and is tasked with discussing the Reardan native and Medal of Honor recipient and possibly creating a K-12 curriculum about him.
Sobotta also reported that the district is working on strengthening the partnership with the Spokane Tribe. He’ll be meeting with the tribe in Wellpinit Oct. 29, along with other staff and board members.
Roughly $111,000 in CARES money for technology improvement is available, Sobotta shared.
Principal’s Reports
Elementary principal Dwight Cooper’s report stated that COVID-19 protocols have been stressful for staff. Keeping masks on throughout the day has caused their mouths to become dry and their voices strained from having to talk louder.
Cooper’s report also shared that Spokane HoopFest is loaning several backboards and standards which are on the elementary walkways and track. Students are required to follow social distance protocols when using the hoops.
Middle/high school principal Deborah Newsum’s report shared that students’ behavior has been extremely positive so far this year. Some students are currently struggling with reliable WiFi connection for at-home learning, but Newsum hopes that the Internet café evening availability will help alleviate this issue.
Drew Lawson is the editor of the Davenport Times. He is a graduate of Eastern Washington University.
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