The Lakeland 272 Supplemental Levy passed after being re-run in the May 20 election.
Early Voting ended Friday, May 16, per State law, and the election-day polls were open on Tuesday, May 20.
Results heavily favored the levy, with 5,569 (66.89 percent) voters supporting it and 2,757 (33.11 percent) voters against it.
There was a much smaller voter turnout than the fall election (20,726), with only 8,470 voters casting a ballot.
Many Lakeland 272 community members are relieved by the passing of the levy.
“I feel like this is such a huge community win for us,” Lakeland principal Jimmy Hoffman said.
Lakeland High School, specifically, has seen great success this year, from academics to athletics. The school has been recognized for its strong test scores and state titles for football, volleyball, wrestling, and track and field. Students have also been able to participate and succeed in KTEC and dual credit programs.
“Our kids are coming out of high school so well prepared for whatever it is they choose to do. The military, CTE, college,” Hoffman said. “We are really proud of that.”
With the levy passed, the school will be able to continue to provide opportunities for students.
Lakeland senior Jade Lodoen participates in drama and is excited that the levy passed. As a first-time voter, she voted yes for the levy.
“It was a little scary, but everyone was very helpful and nice with the process,” Lodoen said. “I am happy the levy passed.”
Community members who voted no, however, are not excited about the levy’s success. Especially those who have not participated in public school systems feel they should not have to pay for public education.
What does the passing of the levy actually mean for taxpayers?
Because the levy was passed for a lower amount, property taxes will still go down.
The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer on the levy is a tax of $82.37 per $100,000 of taxable assessed property value, per year, based on current conditions.
This means that the average taxpayer (based on Rathdrum’s average property value) will pay $44.62 monthly towards the levy.
The levy will be assessed for two years.
“We have so many people to thank for this levy. So many people, parents, rallied together in our community to make this happen,” Hoffman said. “We are so blessed and so thankful.”
LJSD Estimated Supplemental Tax Levy Calculator for the 2025 Tax Year: https://www.sd272.org/lakeland-levy-may2025