A New Vision for Investing in Idaho Schools
We’ve made significant investments in Idaho’s students and teachers in recent years. The time has come to extend those investments to the classrooms and facilities we provide for our kids and educators. We know that not every district and community comes with the same financial resources, which helps explain some of the challenges of building and maintaining schools.
For decades, we’ve relied primarily on property taxes to pay for bonds to build and levies to fix. Bonds require a super-majority vote to pass, and with increased building costs, failure to secure a bond in one year can mean a bigger price tag the next year. It can make long-term planning a challenge for districts that want to do right by their students while respecting the wishes of taxpayers.
I’ve worked with other legislators for almost four years to find an alternative. We need an approach that looks more like how we tackle roads and bridges. We need a better, more sustainable way to build and maintain our state’s education facilities. I was thrilled to hear Gov. Little share his support for a statewide plan to provide targeted relief for school districts and property owners.
The initial proposal calls for redirecting $125 million in sales tax revenue annually toward new bonds over the next 10 years. School districts can then access these funds, reducing the need for bonds and levies in their communities. The money cannot go towards facilities like football stadiums. If districts and their taxpayers want those extras, they’ll need to gain support from the community to cover those costs.
Our focus with this investment comes down to kids having a safe place where they can attend school each day. Something as simple as a steady temperature shouldn’t be a challenge. Yet, in a recent survey, almost 70% of Idaho’s superintendents reported problems with their heating and cooling systems. Other challenges include concerns about accessibility for students with disabilities, building security, and general structural problems.
None of these issues are surprising, given the age of some buildings and the struggles to keep them repaired. Roofs don’t last forever, water systems will spring leaks, and electrical systems will go on the fritz. It’s a reality with every building, but Idaho students deserve better. I know there’s a way to accomplish this goal without increasing the burden on Idaho property owners.
I’m proud of the tax relief we passed in H292 last session. Beyond reducing property taxes, it also directed funds to our school districts to help offset the cost to taxpayers for bonds and levies. Adopting a targeted approach focused on buildings and maintenance this year represents the next step toward supporting our students while delivering ongoing tax relief.
Sen. Dave Lent represents District 33 (Bonneville County) in the Idaho Senate. He also serves as chairman of the Education Committee.
