[Vision2020] discussion: school configuration

[Jeff Harkins]

Yes!

Some thoughts - while I consider the high school facilities to be one of 
the most important needs in our community, it may be prudent to wait until 
the fiscal mess at UI is sorted out.  If we lose several dozen or more 
faculty and staff, that may have a significant impact on the school 
facility needs.  If the cuts are indeed as steep as many have speculated, 
K-12 needs may be significantly altered.

These thoughts are not pleasant, but they are a recognition of the 
realities.  Some have speculated that enrollments could be drastically 
impacted as UI deals with its' fiscal challenges.  The loss of one to two 
thousand UI students would have a significant fiscal impact on Moscow and 
the surrounding area.  There is already significant pressure to move some 
programs to C'dA and Post Falls.  Further, there is great momentum to 
increase the online or extended campus offerings.  This will inevitably 
impact the number of students in residence in Moscow - most likely negatively.

It may be that the best strategy for the public school plans is to defer 
the projects until these uncertainties facing our community are 
resolved.  Patience will probably be rewarded.

There is no doubt that rising taxes are making it difficult for many local 
taxpayers.  If the general economic climate does not improve, it seems 
unreasonable to ask district taxpayers to assume the debt burden associated 
with the proposed facilities improvements.

There is also the challenge of improving salaries for K-12 teachers, which, 
historically is handled at the local level by the override levy.  This 
places additional pressure on district taxpayers.

Other points to consider - the bond markets are in turmoil - tsunami, 
hurricanes and wars.  Building costs are not at all predictable.

Bottom line: wait for a brighter day.