The original $3.58 million per year, two-year levy did not pass in March, but the district will try this time for a reduced $1.6 million. The proposed levy would not increase property tax rates.
Allocation of the money would be spread across three main areas: textbooks and technology for elementary schools, repairs and maintenance of buildings and grounds, and materials and supplies.
The district will start the year $2.8 million short as a result of a budgeting error spanning two years. The district will cut substitutes, reallocate federal funds, cut supply budgets and not fill open positions to make up for the shortfall.
Allison Westfall, the district’s public information officer, said the supply budget is cut by half, and if the levy passes, schools could have some funds added back to the supply budget. Otherwise, levy funds will be used specifically where noted on the ballot.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees Scott Kido expressed the importance of the levy in a letter addressed to parents in the district, especially given the circumstances.
“It is important again to note that this levy is to address important needs of the school district and is not a result of the recent budget shortfall,” Kido said. “These are separate needs, but included in this levy are money for classroom supplies, which now has become a very critical need.”
OTHER DISTRICTS PROPOSING LEVIES
HOMEDALE
The Homedale School District is proposing the renewal of the existing COSSA levy. The purpose of COSSA is to provide programs and education the district could not otherwise provide in areas of special education, gifted and talented education and professional-technical education. In 2011-12, 339 Homedale students were enrolled in a program with COSSA.
KUNA
The Kuna School District is proposing a $3.19 million per year, two-year supplemental levy to eliminate the lay off of up to 25 teachers district-wide. The money will also decrease class size, improve participation by eliminating class and extra-curricular fees and keep driver’s education.
NOTUS
The Notus School District is proposing the renewals of the existing COSSA levy and plant and facilities levy of $150,000. The levies will help maintain the district’s involvement with COSSA and help repair buildings and grounds.
WILDER
The Wilder School District is proposing a $310,000 per year, two-year supplemental levy to eliminate 10 furlough days, cancellation of all extra-curricular activities including sports and continue participation in COSSA. The district would also have to cut supplies, reduce technology and eliminate classified and support staff if the levy does not pass.
