Seven Magic Valley School Districts Turn to Voters to Fill Budget Gaps

Seven school districts across the Magic Valley asked voters to help close funding gaps over the next few years, with levy requests on the ballot as residents headed to the polls on Nov. 3. The measures varied widely in size and purpose, from teacher salaries to building maintenance to a music program.

The largest request came from the Twin Falls School District, which sought $7.2 million a year for two years. Most of that money would go toward salaries and benefits, with a portion also covering safety and security. The levy would cost $86 for every $100,000 of taxable value. Because it replaces an existing levy at the same rate, taxpayers would see no change in what they pay.

The Hansen School District asked for $290,000 a year, money that would help pay for a growing special needs program. The levy would cost $121.57 for every $100,000 of value, a drop of $3.35 from the previous levy.

In Buhl, the district requested $1.25 million a year, with most of the funding going toward staffing. The average cost would be about $107 for every $100,000 of value.

The Jerome School District in Jerome County sought $1.75 million a year. The cost would be $60 for every $100,000 of value, and the new levy would replace an old one at the same price, leaving taxpayers with no increase.

The Valley School District took a different approach, proposing a five-year levy worth $300,000 a year. The money would pay for upkeep at the aging rural school. At $74.81 for every $100,000 of value, the measure would actually lower costs for local taxpayers by $26.61.

In Gooding County, the Gooding School District asked for $903,000 a year for two years. Most of that money would go toward teacher and staff salaries and benefits. The average cost would be $93 for every $100,000 of value.

The Camas County School District placed two separate requests before voters. The first, a $225,000 levy, would replace an existing one at a cost of $70 for every $100,000 of value, meaning no change for taxpayers. The second is a new levy of $75,000 a year that would help pay for the district's music program.

In some cases, state tax relief will cover part or all of the cost of these levies. Voters seeking more information about what the measures would mean for their own tax bills were encouraged to contact their local county assessor.