Kevin Richert caught up with three trustees — Nancy Gregory of Boise, Jason Knopp of Melba and Starr Olsen of Dietrich — to talk about the elections, the upcoming legislative session and the role of the trustee.

The senior class wanted patrons to learn more about the two candidates running for trustee seat 5, so three seniors moderated and facilitated a question-and-answer forum between Monica Gokey and Paula Bartlett.

The trustee election is Tuesday. More than 200 Idaho trustee seats are on ballots that day, as well as mayor and City Council seats, among other initiatives. Find out what’s happening in your area and how to vote by clicking here. 

“These students did an excellent job,” said social studies teacher Leesa Johnson.  “It is the first time that these students got the opportunity to participate in the political process.”

It was a hands-on learning experience for them and the rest of the high school government class. 

“It’s what a small rural school is doing to create opportunities for learning,” Johnson said.

Cascade seniors Grant Whipple and Tyler Thurston moderated the forum and Samuel Huckaby was the official timekeeper. (They are pictured here.) 

Experienced Idaho politics reporter Ryan Suppe joined EdNews Thursday. 

Suppe, 28, comes from the Idaho Statesman. For nearly two years, he was an accountability reporter focusing on the Idaho Legislature, governor’s office, attorney general’s office and the courts.

In his new role as a senior reporter for EdNews, Suppe will concentrate on education policy while covering the Legislature, state agencies and elections. Suppe replaces Sadie Dittenber, who moved to California to pursue other interests.

“I’ve followed Ryan’s successful career for years and I’ve long wanted him on our team — so landing him is a major win for us,” said Jennifer Swindell, managing editor of EdNews. “Partnered with Kevin Richert, our Statehouse and election coverage will be incredibly good.”

A Nevada native, Suppe moved to Idaho in 2018. He previously covered business for the Idaho Falls Post Register and city government for the Idaho Press in Boise. He interned with USA Today in San Francisco.

Suppe earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and philosophy from the University of Nevada, Reno, where he met his fiancé, Rachel Spacek, a fellow journalist. Suppe and Spacek live on the Boise Bench with their dog and cat. 

Suppe looks forward to providing accurate and critical coverage of education policy that holds public officials and school leaders accountable. 

You can follow Suppe on Twitter @ryansuppe and reach him at ryan@idahoednews.org.

President Joe Biden officially proclaimed the holiday in 2021, though it’s been unofficially recognized for decades. 

“Our Nation celebrates the invaluable contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples, recognizes their inherent sovereignty, and commits to honoring the Federal Government’s trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations,” he wrote. 

The holiday is typically observed on the second Monday in October, and according to pbs.org, is “typically paired with Columbus Day or replaces the federal holiday altogether.”

“On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor America’s first inhabitants and the Tribal Nations that continue to thrive today,” Biden wrote in 2021. “I encourage everyone to celebrate and recognize the many Indigenous communities and cultures that make up our great country.”

Five federally-recognized tribes live within Idaho, including the Shoshone-Bannock (or Newe), the Nez Perce (or Nimiipuu), the Coeur d’Alene (or Schitsu’umsh), the Kootenai (or Ktunaxa), and the Shoshone-Paiute (or Numu). 

To learn more about the tribes, check out our series, “Still Here: Tribes fight to be seen in Idaho classrooms.” It includes:

• A map of the federal Native American boarding schools in Idaho
• A look back at boarding schools’ complicated legacy in the United States
• Profiles of standout Native American teachers and principals
• An article on the alarming achievement gaps between Native American students and their peers
• An overview of what schools in Idaho are doing — or not doing — to help Native American students succeed
• Achievement data for schools on or near reservations
• A spotlight on an Idaho program trying to get more Native American teachers in classrooms
• A photo gallery, a video gallery, and a look at what Idaho students should be learning about Native Americans 

Events to honor Indigenous people are being held statewide today, including on college campuses:

• Idaho State University: ISU is hosting its 5th Annual Indigenous Peoples Day, including dance and drum performances, all-day speakers, door prizes, and a research and creative arts showcase. Get the details here. The Western Literature Association conference, which is being held in partnership with the Shoshone-Bannock tribes, will also include a number of free events that are open to the public throughout the week. 
• Boise State University: The Idaho Center for the Book is hosting Beth Piatote, a Nez Perce writer and scholar, for a discussion and book signing at Albertsons Library Monday night. 
• College of Western Idaho: CWI is hosting a presentation led by Indigenous community members about the future of Indigenous-led policy in Idaho. 
• University of Idaho: The U of I is hosting Keynote Speaker Arnold Thomas, who will be discussing the power of Indigenous Resiliency Monday night. 

Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield presented Van Leuven with a commemorative plaque and $10,000 in a surprise assembly on Wednesday.

Van Leuven was selected from 69 nominees. He will serve as spokesperson and representative for Idaho educators at a variety of local and national events throughout 2024.

“I’m thrilled we have someone so dedicated to his students and community to serve as our state’s Teacher of the Year in 2024,” said Critchfield. “Idaho is full of tremendous teaching talent and this year’s group of nominees was exceptional. That said, as the selection panel progressed through the evaluation process, it became apparent early on that they had a standout in Trent.”

Van Leuven started his teaching career as an agriscience instructor in the West Ada School District in 2009 before moving to Mackay Junior/Senior High School in 2014. He is the president of the Mackay Education Association, chairman of the State and Federal Lands Committee of the Idaho Farm Bureau as well as secretary for the Idaho Agriculture Teachers Association. He was the 2014 recipient of the National NAAE Ideas Unlimited Winner award. He was also named National Agriscience Teacher of the Year from Region 1 in 2017.

Van Leuven is a graduate of the University of Idaho with a bachelor’s of science in agricultural education.

In his time at Mackay Junior/Senior High School, Van Leuven changed the landscape of career technical education, expanding opportunities for students to encounter real-world applications for their everyday learning both in the classroom and in the field.

U.S. Forest Service fish biologist Bart Gamett spoke of Van Leuven’s abilities to bring learning to life in his recommendation letter:

“Trent demonstrates leadership and innovation inside and outside of the classroom that helps students develop a pattern of lifelong learning,” Gamett said. “One of Trent’s most significant accomplishments is the construction of a new state-of-the-art aquaculture facility at Mackay High School. Prior to 2022, the aquaculture facility was housed in a small, retrofitted greenhouse.”

In an effort to open the new facility, Van Leuven approached donors for funding and recruited students, professionals and community members to provide volunteer labor.

“In November 2022, an open house was held and the new 1,400 square foot aquaculture facility began operating,” said Gamett. “This facility will give students the opportunity to work with fish long after Trent has retired.”

The aquaculture facility raises rainbow trout, sturgeon, tilapia and catfish, and provides fish for some of Idaho’s local waterways. When Van Lueven was approached by a student looking to raise golden trout, he was able to assist her in obtaining surplus trout fry from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s Mackay Fish Hatchery. The adult fish were then introduced to the Lower Cedar Creek near Mackay, where they now make up the first golden trout stream fishery in the state of Idaho.

Van Leuven also oversees the Mackay High School greenhouse program, including two large greenhouses that grow local produce alongside tropical fruits like bananas, papaya, passion fruit and pineapple. Students have the opportunity to sell the plants at local grocery stores or through a school store housed in one of the campus greenhouses.

“Trent’s students are getting the chance to not only get hands-on with growing and producing, they get to see the literal ‘fruits’ of their labor,” Critchfield says. “Whether they’re stocking streams or stocking produce shelves, they are getting a complete view of what their learning means to them and their communities.”

“I was so impressed with Trent when I met him earlier this year. He embodies all the qualities that make an outstanding teacher and mentor,” said Gov. Brad Little.

And what’s the financial risk?

In this edition of the Kevin Richert Podcast, Phoenix President Chris Lynne and provost and chief financial officer John Woods talk about the future — and the for-profit online university’s checkered past. (Click here to read our story from the interview.)

These next two weeks are the time to nominate those Idaho residents doing incredible work in their communities. Idaho Philanthropy Day winners in the North, Southwest, and Eastern regions will be recognized during a ceremony in mid-November.

Winners are selected for their donations of time, talent and participation.

Award categories:

• Treasured Philanthropic Company: An outstanding company or foundation that has shown innovation or leadership in their philanthropic giving to nonprofits.
• Talented Nonprofit: A nonprofit that is an innovative leader in its field, is vocal and visible in their field, collaborates with other organizations and sets an example for others.
• Talented Volunteer Manager: An individual adult (21 years or older) who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and management of volunteers or has gone above and beyond to mobilize volunteers to meet a new or urgent need in their community.
• *Treasured Adult Philanthropist: An individual adult (21 years and older) who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in philanthropic giving efforts and/or projects benefiting charitable organizations or has gone above and beyond to meet a new or emerging need in the community.
• *Timeless Adult Volunteer: An individual adult (21 years and older) who has demonstrated exceptional leadership through a significant amount of service and volunteerism in their community.
• *Timeless Youth Philanthropist: An individual youth (under 21 years) who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in philanthropic efforts, including volunteerism, and/or and/or projects benefiting charitable organizations.

*These awards exclude the paid president, CEO, or executive director of a nonprofit organization.

Sponsored by the Idaho Nonprofit Center, Idaho Philanthropy Day was revitalized in 2017 to reflect these contributions through the effort of several state foundations.

Scroll down for superintendent updates from throughout the summer and previous spring.

Buhl

Angie Oparnico will take over for David Carson who accepted a position with the Gooding School District in May.

In her first superintendent’s message, Oparnico described her anticipation “to grow the district in a positive direction” after the Buhl native served as an educator and coach in its schools for 19 years.

Mackay

The Mackay Joint School District board hired Christine Ivie as superintendent at a June 19 special meeting. Ivie takes over from Susan Buescher who led Mackay for over six years.

Ivie has over 25 years of experience in education and administration with a primary focus on “comprehensive reform, school improvement and school choice,” according to her LinkedIn bio.

Notably, Ivie served as chief of education for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ames Research Center as well as the Idaho Department of Education deputy superintendent and Idaho State Board of Education’s chief elementary and secondary academic officer.

New Plymouth

The New Plymouth School District will move into the new school year with Wil Overgaard as interim superintendent.

Overgaard has 41 years of Idaho school system experience and retired as the interim Weiser superintendent two years ago. Now Overgaard will steer New Plymouth’s helm, serving as a temporary stabilizer after a late opening for superintendent.

“We are incredibly fortunate and pleased to have a leader of Wil’s caliber step in and help us out while we search for a permanent replacement,” school board chairman Marc Haws said.

Council

Council is in the process of searching for a new leader after the board unanimously accepted the resignation of superintendent Clete Edmunson at its June 26 board meeting,

District officials informed EdNews that they are “currently accepting applications for superintendent.”

Bliss

Matt Valadao, a long-time English teacher in the school district, took over as superintendent on July 1. He replaces Kevin Lancaster, who retired. 

West Side

Tyler Telford became West Side’s superintendent on July 1. Telford was the principal at West Side High since 2012, and replaces Spencer Barzee, who was hired as director of Eastern Idaho regional support services — a new position at the State Department of Education. He begins in August. 

Telford’s hiring drew some scrutiny because he pleaded guilty last year to two misdemeanor theft charges — read more here. 

Nezperce

Brian Lee, the principal at Orofino Junior/Senior High,  stepped in as Nezperce’s superintendent on July 1. He replaces Shawn Tiegs, who took a superintendent position at Moscow. 

West Bonner

Trustees selected Branden Durst to serve as superintendent. The former state superintendent’s candidate was selected over the other finalist, interim superintendent Susan Luckey. She has been with the district for more than 20 years. Durst was previously an analyst for the Idaho Freedom Foundation. 

Mountain View

Kim Spacek, superintendent of Inchelium School District in Washington, became Mountain View’s next leader on July 1. He takes over for Steve Higgins, who retired. 

Gooding

David Carson, Buhl’s superintendent, took the helm on July 1. He replaces Spencer Larsen, who took a superintendent position at Minidoka County School District. 

Village Leadership Academy

Current school director/lead administrator Joshua Noteboom accepted a position as federal programs director with the State Department of Education, which he began in July. His position at Village Leadership Academy is still open. 

Doral Academy

Kendal Fleshman, principal at Idaho Arts Charter, was selected as Doral’s next principal. 

Garden Valley

Patrick Goff, who was acting as interim superintendent, was officially hired for the superintendent position. He replaces Randy Thompson.

Idaho Falls

Karla LaOrange was named as Idaho Falls School District’s next superintendent.

LaOrange was the elementary education faculty program director and department chair at Brigham Young University, Idaho, and assumes her new responsibilities this summer. 

“The board looks forward to working closely with the new superintendent to continue current district initiatives, address longstanding facility issues and ensure all students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to be successful beyond high school,” Margaret Wimborne, the district’s spokesperson, said in a press release. 

LaOrange will replace Superintendent James Shank, who accepted a superintendent position at North Beach School District in Ocean Shores, Wash. 

Minidoka County

Spencer Larsen, who was the superintendent at Gooding School District, will take the reins of Minidoka County School District this summer.

Larsen replaces interim superintendent Rick Parker, who was filling in after “a separation agreement was reached” with former Superintendent James Ramsey. 

Twin Falls

Ryan Nesmith, the principal at Twin Falls High, is slated to become the district’s next associate superintendent. 

“Being educated in the Twin Falls School District as a student, I had the opportunity to grow and learn from remarkable educators who not only had an impact on me academically, but were influential throughout my life,” Nesmith said in a press release. “I believe that the most significant thing a school district can do is to provide a quality education necessary for students to be successful in life.” 

Nesmith will fill the role of Bill Brulotte, who is retiring this year.

Sugar-Salem 

Jared Jenks, the principal at Sugar-Salem High School, will become the district’s next superintendent this summer. He takes over for current superintendent Chester Bradshaw.

“We feel very blessed to have had the quality candidates that we did,” Kristin Galbraith, the district’s board chair, wrote to patrons in an email.

Moscow

Shawn Tiegs, the current superintendent of Nezperce School District, was selected as Moscow School District’s next superintendent. 

Tiegs replaces Greg Bailey, who will retire this summer after 10 years with the district.

St. Maries

Teresa Rensch will be the next superintendent of St. Maries Joint School District and began her tenure on July 1. She replaces Alica Holthaus, who will retire this summer after six years as superintendent.

Rensch was the principal of the Konocti Unified School District in Lake County, Calif. Prior to that, she was the district’s director of curriculum and instruction. She has also worked as a principal, assistant principal, and teacher in the Tahoe/Truckee and Chicago areas. 

Weiser

Kenneth Dewlin, who was the principal at Weiser Middle School, takes over as Weiser superintendent. Wade Wilson, the current superintendent, retired this summer. 

Payette

Glen Croft accepted an offer to become Payette’s new superintendent. The current principal at Middleton Academy, Croft will step in for interim superintendent Brad Baumberger who retired this summer.  

Teton

Megan Christiansen was named as Teton School District’s superintendent. Her predecessor, Monte Woolstenhulme, announced his resignation on Oct. 3 after controversial raises.  

Christiansen was the principal at Tetonia and Victor elementary schools. 

“Being named the new superintendent has brought about all emotions,” Christiansen told Teton Valley News. “I feel energized, hopeful, and ready to get to work, but I also feel a sense of sadness and loss because I love my two schools and will miss the students, staff, and parents I see every day. Being the first woman superintendent in Teton Valley will hopefully inspire all children to know that anything is possible if you work hard, do all things with passion, and follow your heart.”

Nampa

Gregg Russell was named superintendent in February, one year after his appointment as interim. 

Russell stepped in as interim following upheaval among trustees and the abrupt resignation of superintendent Paula Kellerer. She is now a vice president at Idaho Business for Education and leads its youth apprenticeship program.

Smith’s classroom instruction earned her the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators and commendation as a member of the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship Cohort.

“I am so proud to represent Idaho and the Northwest Region 10 with this award,” Smith said of the PIAEE award. “I’m excited to use the award money to further my professional development in the area of environmental education.”

Associated money awarded to her school will go towards “supporting environmental education projects and field trips.”

The 1990 National Environmental Education Act created the PIAEE award to celebrate and support classroom projects that elevate environmental science instruction that activate creative thinking through materials outside of textbook learning.

The Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship, administered through a National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions partnership, recognizes educators committed to authentic geographic education. As part of the honor, 2023 Fellows will embark on global expeditions to exotic places like the Galápagos Islands and Australia’s Wild Northwest Kimberley region.

Smith chose Patagonia in order to animate the sixth grade social studies curriculum and connect students with the region’s geography, culture, climate and ecosystems.

The educator will voyage around the southern tip of South America where she will be mentored by National Geographic photographers and Lindblad Expedition naturalists on board expedition vessels. Through this sabbatical, Smith also aims to develop professional communities across Idaho via the Idaho Environmental Education Association.

“Ultimately, I hope to help my students and others to understand the interconnectedness of humans and nature and to foster an explorer mindset.”

Gov. Brad Little and Superintendent Debbie Critchfield on Thursday announced a new history resource for Idaho schools, citing a need to combat a nationwide decline in history and civics scores.

“It’s more important than ever that Idaho children learn the facts about American history,” Little said. “Our students must learn about the roots of our country, how America became the great country that it is today and understand the hope and opportunity that exists for future generations of America.”

Called “The Story of America,” the curriculum is intended as supplementary material for students in grades 8-12 — and marks the first time the state has directly provided learning resources to districts in this way. 

“We know for many districts that the budgetary constraints that they have around purchasing new materials can be very difficult to overcome, and many of our districts rely upon supplemental levies to do that,” Critchfield said. “This is an opportunity not only to supply the curricula and the educational side, but also to relieve some burdens for the local taxpayers and patrons.”

Critchfield said the resource will support students’ knowledge of America while boosting literacy skills like writing, analyzing, evaluating, and presenting. 

“These skills will help prepare our students to be strong American citizens, capable of self-government at the local, state, and national level.”

And the resource will help graduating seniors complete their civics exam, which is required to receive a diploma, Critchfield said.

“The Story of America” curriculum was created by leading experts in the field of American history, and was vetted and tested by the State Department of Education. 

“This curriculum presents a picture of America that aligns with our Idaho values of embracing patriotism and a sense of pride about the success of our great country, and it teaches American history in a fair and factual way,” Little said in a press release. 

Idaho teachers and students will access the resource online via individual login credentials. The SDE encourages schools to take advantage of the resource, and will be in contact with districts and charters throughout July to help with rostering and onboarding procedures. 

Contact the SDE for more information.

The two finalists — Durst and interim superintendent Susan Luckey — interviewed with the trustees and participated in a community forum before trustees met in a special meeting to select Durst on a split vote.

Board chairperson Keith Rutledge voted for Durst and told the Bonner County Daily Bee that while he appreciated Luckey’s excellent work as superintendent, he believes that Durst could lead the district in the direction of necessary change.

Trustee Margaret Hall voted for Luckey to bring calm back to West Bonner, she said, but supports the board’s decision going forward.

“We’ve got to figure out how to heal the community,” Hall said. “We’re split down the middle on a lot of things, and it seems like we’ve been hit with one thing after another this past year. Any decision we made last night is going to upset one group or another. We need to move forward for the kids’ sake.”

Members of the West Bonner community, located at the top of the Idaho Panhandle, were vocal in their support for the candidates.

A website was created to oppose Durst’s hiring called “Don’t Do Durst.” It’s not clear who was behind its creation, but it was labeled a “smear campaign” by others on social media posts.

Priest Lake Elementary school teacher Whitney Urmann attended Wednesday’s community forum and spoke with EdNews late Wednesday evening.

“Both candidates answered questions very well. Branden knew all of the applicable terms. It kind of shocked our audience,” Urmann said. “He ended by saying he hopes trustees don’t hire (Luckey) because she’s prettier than me. The whole room got loud at that point, and they had to escort a couple of people out.”

Durst is a senior analyst of education policy research for the Idaho Freedom Foundation. He’s also a former Democratic Idaho legislator, who finished second in the three-person May 2022 Republican primary for state superintendent. State superintendent Debbie Critchfield won the primary and former state superintendent Sherri Ybarra finished third.

“There are two contrasting views of what our schools need. … There are those who believe we need to continue to double down on a system that isn’t working for a lot of parents. … And then you’ve got me, somebody’s who’s coming from the outside, who recognizes that, maybe we need to do things differently,” Durst said during the campaign last year.

The Freedom Foundation website says Durst holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees and an education specialist degree in executive educational leadership from Boise State University.

Luckey served as a West Bonner administrator for nearly 20 years. Before she became a vice principal and principal at Priest Lake Elementary School, she was a kindergarten teacher there since 1984.

When superintendent Jackie Branum resigned abruptly in mid-March, Luckey was appointed as interim superintendent until June 30. This announcement was made on the district’s Facebook page on March 20.

“I realize that this sudden change in leadership can lead to concern regarding the future of our district,” Luckey wrote on Facebook. “If you have a question or concern, find out the facts: One of the things that can really hurt unity in a community is when the rumor mill gets started, and inaccurate and/or exaggerated information is spread throughout the community.”

Two months after Luckey’s appointment, West Bonner lost its May request for a two-year, $9.4 million supplemental levy. It received 48.4% support, shy of the simple majority needed. The district was hoping to replace a levy that expires on June 30, which represents 33% of its annual operating budget.

The West Ada School District’s $500 million plant facilities levy failed Tuesday night, according to unofficial county results. The levy set a record as the largest education funding ask to make it to the ballot. 

The levy would have paid for two new elementary schools, a new career-technical education center, and maintenance, repairs, renovations and expansions throughout Idaho’s largest district, which serves around 40,000 students. 

West Ada administrators reacted to the loss in a Wednesday news release.

“We are disappointed with the outcome of the election, but we certainly are not defeated,” said Superintendent Derek Bub. “We will pour all our energy into finding alternate solutions for our facilities needs, our kids deserve it. We honor and respect the decision made by our voters and continue to strive for excellence in all that we do.”

Jerry Gibbs of the Conservatives of Ada County had a different take.

“The $500 million ask of taxpayers was too much, at the wrong time, without enough creative, out-of-the-box consideration of other options and alternatives to save taxpayer dollars,” Gibbs said in a news release early Wednesday morning.

West Ada’s levy failed with 42.53% support, falling short of the 55% threshold required for passage. In total, 27,869 West Ada patrons voted in Tuesday’s election — 11,853 for the levy, and 16,016 against it. 

Bonneville trustees dismayed at low voter turnout, razor-thin bond failure

While the Bonneville School District’s 17-year, $34.5 million bond election remains too close to call, district leaders conceded the loss at a special meeting Wednesday. 

“I don’t think I have ever been more disappointed with a bond failure than I was with this one,” Trustee Chad Dance said.

The bond would have funded a new elementary school and roof repairs and replacements.

The razor-thin margin made the loss sting even more. By mid-afternoon Wednesday, the bond was failing with 65.26% support — short of the required two-thirds supermajority. Fewer than 200 yes votes would’ve changed the election’s outcome. 

On top of that, the neighboring Idaho Falls district saw its 10-year, $33 million plant facility levy pass with 70% support when only 55% was needed. 

Bonneville trustees were left wondering what went wrong. 

Dance said that since there was no organized opposition to the bond, he was surprised that more than 900 people voted against it. And he wanted to know why. 

Trustees were also dismayed at the lack of voter turnout; only about 2,800 votes were cast. Board members questioned whether voters were uninformed about the election, or just chose not to show up at the polls. 

Board Clerk Samantha Williams said district messaging about the election reached thousands of people, so it wasn’t a lack of awareness. 

Still, Trustee Randy Smith said there were stakeholders who didn’t get the memo.

“There’s a lot of unhappy mothers that just realized what happened,” he said, and advocated for sending students home with election information next time.

Superintendent Scott Woolstenhulme said he planned to send out a survey to stakeholders to get more feedback. 

The board discussed whether to run another election in August or November. Trustees said August elections are often unsuccessful, as voters are out of town and school is just starting up.

Plus, Woolstenhulme said, the last time the district ran back-to-back elections it was “divisive” and “hellish.”

A November election seemed to gain traction, but the trustees will continue conversations and decide on future plans at a later date. 

Heath Jackson, director of human resources for the district, said it was time to start sharing harsh realities and urgent needs with stakeholders. 

“We’re out of room,” he said. 

If a new elementary school isn’t built, there will be serious impacts; classrooms will become more crowded and more students will have to be bused to other schools. 

“School as it looks right now can’t be the same because we’re out of space.”

Jackson said more straightforward messaging about the consequences of failed bonds could help “get rid of some of that voter apathy.”

Vallivue and Coeur d’Alene measures pass

Two other high-stakes funding asks passed: Vallivue’s $78 million bond issue and Coeur d’Alene’s two-year, $50 million supplemental levy. 

“To see the Vallivue community come out and support the district with such a strong vote of confidence is humbling,” said Vallivue federal programs director Joey Palmer. “It inspires us to keep working hard because we know the community appreciates our teachers and cares about maintaining a quality education for our students.”

Coeur d’Alene’s levy will avoid a financial emergency declared last month.

“The levy passing is the outcome we hoped for and we thank the voters,” Superintendent Shon Hocker said. “Levy funding allows us to continue to provide foundational opportunities to our students so they can be successful in the classroom and beyond.”

After two unsuccessful attempts to pass the levy, voters approved the measure with 63.47% support Tuesday. That approval, the district said, ensures the continuation of educational programs, avoids staff layoffs, and supports extracurricular activities.

“We know we have work to do to continue fostering transparency and trust with our community stakeholders,” school board chair Rebecca Smith said. “We will continue to find new and better ways to involve our parents, families, and the community in what we do.”

The school board is scheduled to rescind the financial emergency during a special meeting Wednesday evening.

“We are humbled by the trust the community has placed in us and pledge our commitment to continue to use the levy funding in the most financially responsible way to benefit our students,” Hocker said.

Check back later today for more results and reaction; senior reporter Kevin Richert has written an analysis of Tuesday’s elections. 

All election night results are unofficial until certified by the state. 

West Ada

Election result: Fails with 42.53% support; all precincts reporting.  

• What: 10-year, $500 million plant facilities levy.
• What’s at stake: The largest local funding issue in Idaho history contains 12 major projects and renovations at all 58 West Ada schools. Big-ticket items include a new $100 million career-technical education center for expanded instruction and student skill acquisition in high-demand fields, $70 million to build two new elementary schools to alleviate overcrowding in north and south parts of the district, $52 million for expanding and renovating Centennial High School and $32 million for to upgrading playground accessibility and safety.
• The process: A plant facilities levy requires approval from 55% of voters. A plant facilities levy, collected from annual property tax cash flows. West Ada asserts that this would save the county about $255 million in interest over its 10-year lifespan.
• Further reading: West Ada’s proposed levy would benefit all 58 schools

Vallivue

Election result: Passes with 71.21% support, all precincts reporting. 

• What: $78 million bond issue.
• What’s at stake: Two new elementary schools to alleviate overcrowding at six of seven district schools. New roofs and HVAC systems for Vallivue High School and East Canyon Elementary. Land purchases for future schools.
• The process: All bond issues require a two-thirds supermajority to pass. The bond will cost $78 million in principal and $38.6 million in interest.
• Further reading: District election information page

Coeur d’Alene

Election result: Passes with 63.47% support; all precincts reporting. 

• What: Two-year, $50 million supplemental levy.
• What’s at stake: The supplemental levy accounts for about a fifth of Coeur d’Alene’s annual budget. The largest slice of the levy, $7.2 million, is set for teacher and staff compensation. About $4.6 million goes into maintenance, transportation staffing. $3.35 million funds new elective, enrichment and CTE classes. And $2.82 million is planned for classroom and school resources.
• The process: A simple majority is required to pass this two-year supplemental levy.
• Further reading: District election information page

Bonneville

Election result: Early results show the measure failing with 65.26% support.  

• What: 17-year, $34.5 million bond issue.
• What’s at stake: With approved funds, the district plans to build a new elementary school and supply the money necessary to repair and replace school roofs. The new school will enroll 700 students in general education classrooms and provide additional classrooms for special education programming.
• The process: A two-thirds supermajority is required to pass Idaho bonds. This bond will cost taxpayers $36 a year per $100,000 of taxable property value.
• Further reading: District election information page

Idaho Falls

Election result: Passes with 69.6% support; all precincts reporting.  

• What: 10-year, $33 million plant facilities levy.
• What’s at stake: The district plans to use those funds to build a new elementary school on the south side of Idaho Falls through a lease purchase agreement. The district reports Sunnyside Elementary to be at about 145% capacity.
• The process: A plant facilities levy requires approval from 55% of voters.
• Further reading: Idaho Falls trustees approve a $33 million plant facilities levy for the May ballot

Lakeland

Election result: Passes with 54.6% support; all precincts reporting. 

• What: Two-year, $19.04 million supplemental levy.
• What’s at stake: After failing to pass a larger supplemental levy in March, Lakeland scaled back its ask. About three-quarters of the bond will go towards certified, classified, and administrative pay. There is also money budgeted to improve extracurricular resources and personnel, student transportation and safety.
• The process: A supplemental levy requires a simple majority to pass.
• Further reading: District election information page

Lakeland

Election result: Passes with 55.2% support; all precincts reporting. 

• What: Two-year, $2,293,040 plant facilities levy.
• What’s at stake: Lakeland plans to improve, maintain and repair existing buildings, acquire and improve school sites, purchase school buses and equip school buildings with necessary facilities.
• The process: A plant facilities levy requires a 55% majority to pass.
• Further reading: District election information page

West Bonner County

Election result: Fails with 48.41% support. all precincts reporting. 

• What: Two-year, $9.4 million supplemental levy.
• What’s at stake: In order to replace the current levy ending on June 30, the district proposes a two-year supplemental levy — which would represent about 33% of its annual operating budget. Renewed funding will supply a new bus, athletics activities, a school resource officer, salaries for teachers and support staff, textbooks, learning materials and training for staff and safety and security facility improvements.
• Further reading: District election information page

Hagerman

Election result: Passes with 55% support; all precincts reporting. 

• What: Five-year, $2 million plant facilities levy.
• What’s at stake: The district plans to combine $800,000 saved from a previous levy with the proposed $2 million plant facility levy funds to renovate or replace the Prince Memorial Gym as well as to address facility needs. The plant facility levy would maintain current property tax rates via maturing current plant facility and supplemental levies.
• Further reading: District election information page

Emmett

Election result: Passes with 57.53% support; all precincts reporting.   

• What: Two-year, $1.2 million supplemental levy.
• What’s at stake: New school roofs, front entry doors, and ADA compliant door handles. Safety lighting for exterior areas of district buildings.
• Further reading: District election information page

Emmett

Election result: Passes with 54.20% support; all precincts reporting. 

• What: Two-year, $800,000 supplemental levy.
• What’s at stake: Elementary counselors, instructional coaches, core content teachers and special education support staff.
• Further reading: District election information page

Weiser

Election result: Passes with 62.13% support; all precincts reporting. 

• What: Four-year, $1.24 million plant facilities levy.
• What’s at stake: With this cash injection, Weiser plans to upgrade safety measures at school entrances, address necessary building maintenance issues, and upgrade facilities.
• Further reading: district election information page

Payette

Election result: Passes with 57.99% support; all precincts reporting. 

• What: Two-year, $1 million supplemental levy.
• What’s at stake: Half of this funding would go towards developing elementary and middle school curriculum, one-fifth to upgrading the track, one-tenth to maintenance equipment, one-tenth to teacher compensation and one-tenth to building security.
• Further reading: district election information page

Whitepine

Election result: Passes with 72.89% support; all precincts reporting. 

• What: One-year, $880,000 supplemental levy.
• What’s at stake: About two-thirds of this levy is designated for salaries and benefits. The rest of the funds would be spread almost equally between security and technology upgrades, maintenance and operations resources, transportation, supplies and curriculum and athletics and extracurricular programs.
• Further reading: online ballot

Parma

Election result: Passes with 63.88% support; all precincts reporting.

• What: Two-year, $800,000 supplemental levy.
• What’s at stake: Over half of this levy would go towards certified and classified staff salaries and benefits. The remaining monies will be spread between extracurricular coaching stipends and services, technology upgrades and a school resource officer.
• Further reading: district election information page

New Plymouth

Election result: Passes with 50.84% support; all precincts reporting.  

• What: Two-year, $700,000 supplemental levy.
• What’s at stake: Over half of this levy would go towards certified and support staff salaries. About 15% would go towards a new bus. The remaining funds would be used to purchase athletic and instructional supplies.
• Further reading: district election information page

Salmon River

Election result: Passes with 57.74% support; all precincts reporting. 

• What: One-year, $495,000 supplemental levy.
• What’s at stake: This levy renewal would help pay teacher, special education and other classified staff salaries, in addition to funding extracurricular programs and technology.
• Further reading: district election information page

Nezperce

Election result: Passes with 71.43% support; all precincts reporting. 

• What: One-year, $445,000 supplemental levy.
• What’s at stake: Over half of this levy would go towards staff salaries and benefits. The rest of the money is set for curriculum and supplies, utilities, transportation, and maintenance bills.
• Further reading: online ballot

Cottonwood

Election result: Passes with 74.26% support; all precincts reporting. 

• What: One-year, $200,000 supplemental levy.
• What’s at stake: Almost half of these funds would be applied to utility bills. The rest of the levy will be spread between maintenance/janitorial repairs and supplies, technology, online support and substitute teachers.
• Further reading: online ballot

And there’s more. The West Ada School District is taking a novel approach to its record-setting building proposal.

And more still. The Coeur d’Alene School District says it might have to close schools and eliminate sports and extracurricular activities if voters reject its latest levy request.

To break down the stakes and the politics, Idaho School Boards Association deputy director Quinn Perry joins Kevin Richert on this edition of the podcast.

EdNews staffers received four first-place honors in the annual statewide competition.

Here’s a rundown of EdNews’ awards:

Media innovation award

Randy Schrader, Jennifer Swindell, first place: Idaho EdTrends

Best newsletter

Jennifer Swindell, first place: Idaho Education News newsletter 

Best audience engagement

Jennifer Swindell, first place: Ask Us Anything

Education report, daily print

Kevin Richert, first place: Lost donors, calls for action: An in-depth look inside Boise State’s Scott Yenor firestorm

Watchdog/investigative report, daily print

Devin Bodkin, second place: Not all charter schools bus kids or provide free and reduced-price meals

Series, daily print

Sami Edge, second place: How Title IX affects Idaho kids and schools

General news story, daily print

Carly Flandro, second place: Measuring up college entrance exams: Are they necessary, fair, or valid?

Best blog

Kevin Richert, second place: Kevin’s blog

Rookie of the year, daily print

Sadie Dittenber, third place

Light feature report, daily print

Carly Flandro, third place: Their classroom is a grassy park, yurt, school garden, potato farm, or the Idaho wilderness OR learning another language … ‘it’s just a beautiful thing’

Editorial, daily print

Carly Flandro, third place: My goodbye to teaching: Why I left the profession I was called to

Special section, daily print

Jennifer Swindell, third place: People’s Perspective

Spot news coverage, daily print

Kevin Richert, Sadie Dittenber, third place: Little, lawmakers agree on $650 million in tax cuts, $410 million in education spending

“I’m so excited for the project we’re doing in construction next year,” said Giselle Amador, junior at Mountain View High School. “These tiny homes will be so helpful for those who need them and will give them a safe place to stay.” 

The project will start at the beginning of next school year and will operate out of Owyhee High School. The goal is for construction trade students to build one to two tiny homes a year, for up to six years. Once each tiny home has been built, it will be transported to a location determined by the housing committee and be provided at no cost to a local veteran. 

“Not only will this project give the students the required standards in the construction trade classroom, but it will also give them a sense of giving back to the community. I think it’s something we all feel a great sense of pride in,” said Matthew Lucas, a construction trade instructor. 

The project is part of a partnership between the West Ada School District Career and Technical Education construction trade and the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce, which will provide supplies for the project.

To make a donation to the project, visit idahoveterans.org/donate. The most needed items include building supplies, trailers and land options. To learn more about the Tiny Homes project, visit idahoveterans.org/tinyhomes or contact Niki Scheppers at scheppers.nicole@westada.org. 

Timberline academic team advances to national science bowl

A team of students from Timberline High School won the regional competition of the National Science Bowl (NSB) and will compete in the finals in Washington, D.C. at the end of April.

The NSB draws in more than 14,000 middle and high school students annually and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. The format is trivia-based with questions about STEM subjects.

Timberline was represented at the regional competition by an A-Team and a B-Team, both comprised of students in their sophomore, junior and senior years. The A-Team won the regional championship and will compete at the national level. The B-Team lost in the elimination rounds at regionals.

Members of the Timberline A Team are:

• Luke Bousfield
• Pierre Lehn
• Jessica Rice
• Vishal Suresh
• Joseph Thomson

Members of the B Team are:

• Blessy Bellamkonda
• Austin Giffen
• Elena Li
• Stephanie Liu
• Jalen Lu
• Jacob Meyer
• Kathy Nie
• Corrine Pixton
• Towako Tomano

Eight Idaho athletes to compete at national swimming event

Eight student swimmers from local middle and high schools are on their way to represent Idaho for the 100th Annual 2023 YMCA National Short Course Swimming Championship in North Carolina this week. Under the leadership and coaching of Todd and Vicki Marsh, the athletes hope to make their mark on the national stage against 1,200 swimmers.

The “Mighty Eight” from the Boise team include: 

• Santina Hunt, 13, East Jr. High
• Francesca Hunt, 15, East Jr. High School
• Tyler Quarterman, 17, Boise High School
• Jasper Shue, 15, Boise High School
• Milo Shue, 18, Boise High School
• Blake Ediss, 18, Boise High School
• Gaby Stanton, 17, Bishop Kelly High School
• Ellie McFarland, 18, Timberline High School

 “The Treasure Valley Family YMCA is proud to send this exceptional collection of athletes to represent Idaho at the National Swimming Championship,” said David Duro, president and CEO of the Treasure Valley Family YMCA.

The YMCA Swim Team is a year-round, competitive swimming program for ages six and older held at Treasure Valley Family YMCA locations.

Scentsy Foundation donates $32,000 toward outstanding lunch balances

The Scentsy Family Foundation presented the West Ada School District’s School Nutrition Services department with a $32,000 check. The donation is to be put toward uncollected student lunch balances for the 2022-23 school year. Throughout the past six months, Scentsy committed to donating a portion of sales to causes that focus on children, families, and communities. The West Ada uncollected student lunch balance was identified by the Scentsy Family Foundation as a recipient. 

“We’re grateful that West Ada is continuing to provide lunches regardless of a child’s ability to pay. We believe happy, healthy families build vibrant communities, and we want to help ensure that hungry children have access to at least one meal during the day,” said Kellie Floto, Scentsy Director of Philanthropy and Community Relations. 

To mitigate any future outstanding balances, parents are urged to apply for free or reduced meals. Applications for free or reduced meals must be completed annually — parents and guardians can begin applying for free or reduced meals in August 2023. If a parent or guardian has any questions about their student’s lunch balance, or would like to donate leftover funds from a previous school year, call 208-855-4575. 

Teacher nominations being accepted for Public Television program

Idaho Public Television needs your help identifying a tech-savvy, innovative and collaborative teacher to honor as their next Digital Innovator. Whether you’re a fellow teacher, a school administrator, a parent or a student, nominate your favorite classroom educator to be the next IdahoPTV Digital Innovator. 

The IdahoPTV Digital Innovator program recognizes Idaho teachers who enhance learning by integrating technology or digital media into their classrooms. Each spring IdahoPTV selects one Idaho K-12 educator to serve as Digital Innovator for the following school year.

Do you know an educator who is pushing the boundaries of teaching to better engage their students and enhance learning by integrating technology or digital media into their classroom? Do you know a teacher who is passionate, bold, and innovative? A classroom change-maker? If so, nominate that teacher before the April 28 deadline. For details on the contest, visit https://www.idahoptv.org/education/educators/innovator/.

From Oakley, she watched a piece of career technical education legislation she’s backed pass through the Senate on a 24-10 vote.

Co-sponsored by Republican Reps. Josh Wheeler of Ammon and Judy Boyle of Midvale, House Bill 267 is a $50 million plan to boost CTE programming across Idaho.

The bulk of the money, $45 million, will go into a fund to provide one-time money for CTE programs, especially in rural high schools and junior high schools. The remaining $5 million will go into the state’s career-technical education budget.

Reinforcing career technical education across the state has been one of Critchfield’s goals since her campaigning days, and today’s votes brought her another step closer to fulfilling her vision.

What had the potential to be a historic school election day — with more than $1 billion on the line — did not break any records. 

Statewide, voters rejected more than 70% of the ask, approving only $274.59 million in school funding.

Five of seven bonds failed Tuesday night, falling short of Idaho’s notably high two-thirds supermajority threshold for approval.

Supplemental levies, which generally require a lower approval threshold to pass, were more successful throughout the state. However, the night’s biggest ticket item — Coeur d’Alene’s permanent, $25 million-a-year supplemental levy — failed with 49% support, just missing the needed simple majority. It was one of two razor-thin losses for Coeur d’Alene, where the superintendent was in shock Wednesday morning.

The largest bond measure of the night — Nampa School District’s $210.2 million ask — failed with only 40% support.  The bond would’ve paid for two new schools, a new career and technical center, renovations or upgrades at a number of district schools, and athletic facilities. 

Courtney Stauffer, the district’s operations director, told EdNews earlier this month that if the bond failed, the current proposals would be put on hold and “we will manage the best we can.”

Kuna’s $111.4 million bond also failed with 58.5% support. The bond would’ve paid for a new elementary school; a classroom wing and athletic facilities at Swan Falls High School; and renovations and additions at Fremont and Kuna middle schools.

Nampa and Kuna leaders are now vowing to learn why their measures failed.

In total, Idaho voters rejected $462 million in bonds, $27 million in plant facilities levies, and $23 million in supplemental levies — and that’s not counting Coeur d’Alene’s perpetual $25 million levy failure.

For more details on each election, including total votes, go here.

Here are the results:

*All election night results are unofficial. 

Nampa:

Election Result: Failed with only  40% support 

• What: $210.2 million bond issue.
• What’s at stake? In the biggest measure on the March 14 ballot, Nampa is seeking money for a host of projects, including $100 million to replace Nampa High School; $30 million for a new career and technical center; $26 million for renovations at Skyview High School; and $25.5 million to replace Centennial Elementary School.
• What’s the process? With a successful bond issue, a district enters into long-term debt to bankroll building projects. All bond issues require a two-thirds supermajority to pass.
• Further reading: District election information page; Nampa asks to modernize facilities and build new high school

Kuna:

Election Result: Failed with 58.5% support 

• What: $111.4 million bond issue.
• What’s at stake? The growing suburban district is looking at several projects, including a new elementary school; a classroom wing and athletic facilities at Swan Falls High School; and renovations and additions at Fremont and Kuna middle schools.

Lewiston:

Election Result: Passed with 64% support

• What: Five-year, $100 million supplemental levy (projected).
• What’s at stake? The levy accounts for 36% of Lewiston’s annual budget. The money would go toward staffing, career-technical education, and K-3 reading, among other areas.
• What’s the process? In Lewiston’s case, it’s complicated. Most supplemental levies have a set price tag. As a “charter” school district that predates statehood, Lewiston can run a supplemental levy for a set tax rate — in this case, $395 per $100,000 of taxable value. This levy would generate a projected $100 million over five years, Superintendent Lance Hansen said. Lewiston’s current levy, $420 per $100,000 of taxable value, brought in about $19.6 million this year, Hansen said. In all cases, supplemental levies can cover a variety of projects or day-to-day needs. All supplemental levies require only a simple majority to pass.
• Further reading: District election information page

 Jefferson County:

Election Result: $75 million bond failed with 56.9% support; $5 million bond passed with 67.4% support

• What: Two separate bond issues, totaling $80 million.
• What’s at stake? The big bond issue, at $75 million, would go largely toward a new middle school. The $5 million bond issue would add a gym at Roberts Elementary School.
• Further reading: District election information page

Fremont County:

Election Result: Bond failed with 45.1% support

• What: $59.98 million bond issue.
• What’s at stake? Additions at several schools, including CTE and agricultural additions at North Fremont High School.
• Further reading: District election information page

Coeur d’Alene:

Election Result: Permanent, $25 million-a-year supplemental levy failed with 48.97% support; five-year, $25 million plant facilities levy failed with 54.48% support (55% was needed)

• What: Permanent, $25 million-a-year supplemental levy. Five-year, $25 million plant facilities levy.
• What’s at stake? The supplemental levy accounts for about a fourth of Coeur d’Alene’s annual budget. The biggest chunk of the money, more than $7.2 million, goes to teacher and staff salaries. About $4.6 million goes into an array of maintenance areas, such as transportation staffing. The separate plant facilities levy would go largely into deferred maintenance, with a total of $2.5 million going toward safety and security.
• What’s the process? Most supplemental levies run only one to two years, subject to renewal. But Coeur d’Alene is using a state law that allows for a permanent levy, with simple majority support. Districts can seek permanent taxing authority if a levy has been on the books for at least seven straight years, and if it accounts for at least a fifth of the district’s maintenance and operations fund. Plant facilities levies cover maintenance and upkeep projects. They require a supermajority of 55% to two-thirds to pass, depending on their size. Coeur d’Alene’s levy will require a 55% majority to pass.
• Further reading: Coeur d’Alene trustee calls anti-levy campaign “disgusting” and “un-American”

Cassia County:

Election Result: Passed with 57% support 

• What: Ten-year, $32.7 million plant facilities levy.
• What’s at stake? Roof repairs are the big-ticket item, at $7.5 million. The district also proposes spending $6.3 million to swap out aging technology.
• Further reading: District election information page

Oneida County:

Election Result: Passed with 86.7% support 

• What: $29 million bond issue.
• What’s at stake? A new elementary school.
• Further reading: District election information page

Lakeland:

Election Result: Two-year, $19.04 million supplemental levy failed with 47% support; $6.88 million plant facilities levy failed with 49% support

• What: Two-year, $19.04 million supplemental levy; six-year, $6.88 million plant facilities levy.
• What’s at stake? The bulk of the supplemental levy, more than $12.2 million, would go into teacher and staff salaries.
• Further reading: District election information page

Pocatello-Chubbuck:

Election Result: Passed, with 66.77% support 

• What: Two-year, $16.5 million supplemental levy.
• What’s at stake? Largely salaries, to the tune of close to $11 million. This proposal represents a reduction from the current two-year, $18.5 million levy.
• Further reading: District election information page; Pocatello/Chubbuck levy would be a $2 million decrease from existing levy

Idaho Falls:

Election Result: Passed with 80.7% support 

• What: Two-year, $13.6 million supplemental levy.
• What’s at stake? More than $10.8 million for salaries and benefits.
• Further reading: District election information page

 Post Falls:

Election Result: Passed with 61.2% support

• What: Two-year, $11.92 million supplemental levy.
• What’s at stake? More than $4.1 million would go into salaries; nearly $2.4 million would go into building maintenance.
• Further reading: District election information page

Twin Falls:

Election Result: Passed with 65.2% support 

• What: Two-year, $11.4 million supplemental levy.
• What’s at stake: $8 million for staff salaries; $2.6 million for security, including school resource officers and security guards in elementary schools.
• Further reading: District election information page; Twin Falls levy would pay for security, activities, and staffing

Parma:

Election Result: Passed with 70.8% support 

Ten-year, $8.55 million levy for the Canyon-Owyhee School Service Agency, which provides career-technical education, special education and alternative education for five school districts.

Notus:

Election Result: Passed with 68.4% support 

Ten-year, $3.56 million plant facilities levy; 10-year, $2.66 million levy for COSSA.

Castleford:

Election Result: Failed with 58% support 

$6 million bond issue.

American Falls:

Election Result: Passed with 71.5% support

Two-year, $5.5 million supplemental levy.

Boundary County:

Election Result: Passed with 55.3% support

Two-year, $4.8 million supplemental levy.

St. Maries:

Election Result: Passed with 62.1% support

Two-year, $4.14 million supplemental levy.

Blackfoot:

Election Result: Passed with 73.9% support

Two-year, $4 million supplemental levy.

Emmett:

Election Result: Failed with 43.1% support

Two-year, $3 million supplemental levy.

Gooding:

Election Result: Passed with 58.9% support

Two-year, $759,000 supplemental levy.

Kootenai:

Election Result: Passed with 56.82% support

Two-year, $2.75 million supplemental levy.

Jerome:

Election Result: Passed with 69.9% support 

Two-year, $2.5 million supplemental levy.

Weiser:

Election Result: Failed with 53.01% support

Four-year, $2 million plant facilities levy.

Kendrick:

Election Result: Passed with 76.6% support

Two-year, $1.5 million supplemental levy; five-year, $300,000 plant facilities levy.

Potlatch:

Election Result: Passed with 53.3% support

One-year, $1.6 million supplemental levy.

Jerome:

Election Result: Passed with 69.9% support

Two-year, $1.52 million supplemental levy.

Challis:

Election Result: Passed with 69.3% support

Two-year, $1.4 million supplemental levy.

Snake River:

Election Result: Passed with 66.4% support

Two-year, $1.4 million supplemental levy.

Bear Lake County:

Election Result: Passed with 68% support

Two-year, $1.3 million supplemental levy.

Cascade:

Election Result: Passed with 65.6% support 

Two-year, $1.3 million supplemental levy.

Genesee:

Election Result: Passed with 76.1% support

One-year, $1.18 million supplemental levy.

Payette:

Election Result: Failed with 48.8% support

Two-year, $1 million supplemental levy.

Grace:

Election Result: Passed with 78.6% support

Two-year, $900,000 supplemental levy.

Meadows Valley:

Election Result: Passed with 80.1% support 

Two-year, $746,800 supplemental levy.

West Jefferson:

Election Result: Passed with 78.9% support

Two-year, $720,000 supplemental levy.

Soda Springs:

Election Result: Passed with 77.9% support

One-year, $698,000 supplemental levy.

Camas County:

Election Result: Both passed with 79.6% support

Two two-year supplemental levies, totaling $600,000.

Horseshoe Bend:

Election Result: Passed with 61.5% support 

Two-year, $600,000 supplemental levy.

Sugar-Salem:

Election Result: Failed with 44.6% support

Two-year, $600,000 supplemental levy.

Hansen:

Election Result: Passed with 75.34% support

Two-year, $580,000 supplemental levy.

Ririe:

Election Result: Passed with 77.7% support

Two-year, $580,000 supplemental levy.

Butte County:

Election Result: Both passed with 78% support

Two-year, $320,000 supplemental levy; two-year, $206,000 plant facilities levy.

Clark County:

Election Result: Passed with 92.8% support

Two-year, $500,000 supplemental levy.

Highland:

Election Result: Passed with 67.7% support

One-year, $499,000 supplemental levy.

Rockland:

Election Result: Passed with 90.09% support

Two-year, $420,000 supplemental levy

Swan Valley:

Election Result: Passed with 67.9% support 

Five-year, $375,000 plant facilities levy.

West Side:

Election Result: Passed with 81% support 

One-year, $90,000 supplemental levy.

Idaho Education News data analyst Randy Schrader, senior reporter Kevin Richert, and reporter Carly Flandro contributed to this report.

The house where four University of Idaho students were stabbed to death will be demolished, according to a letter sent to students and employees this morning from President Scott Green.

The owner of the off-campus house gave it to the university and Green says the demolition will be a healing step and it “removes efforts to further sensationalize the crime scene.”

U of I is considering options for the future development of the property, and may involve students in the decision-making process. 

Four U of I students — Ethan Chapin, 20, a freshman from Mount Vernon, Wash.; Kaylee Goncalves, 21, a senior from Rathdrum; Xana Kernodle, 20, a junior from Post Falls; and Madison Mogen, 21, a senior from Coeur d’Alene — were killed in the house on Nov. 13. Two of the victims were found dead on the second floor of the house. Two other victims were found dead on the third floor. Two other residents of the house were present during the attack, but were unhurt.

Early planning is underway to create a memorial on campus for the four students — possibly a garden — by a committee that includes students. Also, endowed scholarships in their memory have been established.

“We will never forget Xana, Ethan, Madison and Kaylee, and I will do everything in my power to protect their dignity and respect their memory,” Green wrote. “Together we will rebuild and continue to support each other.”

Washington State University doctoral student Bryan Kohberger was arrested for the crimes on Dec. 30 at his family’s home in Pennsylvania and extradited to Idaho. He faces four first-degree murder charges and a burglary charge in connection with the deaths. Kohberger is being held in the Latah County Jail, and awaits a June 26 preliminary hearing. 

To preview the process, Kevin Richert interviews the co-chairs of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee: Sen. C. Scott Grow, R-Eagle; and Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls.

On the newest episode of The Teachers’ Lounge podcast, a panel of teachers discuss common teacher myths, extreme student behavior, and classroom success stories. The guests include: Karen Lauritzen, 2023 Idaho Teacher of the Year and a teacher at Treaty Rock Elementary (Post Falls); Julie Nawrocki, a math teacher at Skyline High (Idaho Falls); and Lyndsey Matthews, an English teacher at Alameda Middle (Pocatello).

Helpful tips:

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