A major issue facing the next legislative session is the adequate funding of
school plant and facilities. A study conducted by the Legislature several
years ago indicated a Idaho school districts were not able to keep up with
facility needs. The estimate at that time was $700,000,000 although
$800,000,000 may be closer to the mark. In Latah County, for example, the
Troy high school building built back in the early 1900's has for all practical
purposes been condemed.
About 25 school districts including all of the schools in Latah county sued
the State of Idaho over the lack of financial support for facilities. That
lawsuit was dismissed about 10 days ago, but the school districts have decided
to press ahead and appeal to the Idaho State Supreme Court.
Legislation will be introduced to reduce the supermajority of 66.7% in bond
levees to 60%. Governor Batt has indicated support of this proposal, and
several legislators are developing bills that would reduce the supermajority
to 60% If the bill passes the legislature and is signed by the Governor
I believe it still has to go to a vote of the people. Washington State has
the 60% level at this time, and it has been of help to improving school
facilities. The burden on low and medium income (per capita) school districts
is especially difficult. A number of funding approaches will be discussed to
help provide some degree of assistance. Dr. Anne Fox will introduce a .05%
sales tax to help with the school facilities issue. This same proposal did
not get far in JFAX last year. I believe that the 60% majority with the
final vote of the citizens of the state is a step forward, but we will have
to find ways of assisting the highest priority school districts.
Rep. Tom Trail
Dr. Tom Trail
International Trails
2039 Mt. View Rd.
Moscow, Id. 83843
Tel: (208) 882-6077
Fax: (208) 882-0896
e mail ttrail@moscow.com