Idaho School Districts Face Budget Woes Due to Levy System

LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) — School districts in Idaho are facing major budget shortages as the supplemental levies they depend on for funding have been struck down by voters.

The Lewiston Tribune reports that the Troy School Board approved a budget that cut one third of the district's staff after a levy for the 2015-16 school was denied in March and May. A final vote for a levy will take place next week.

Critics say the Idaho Legislature is failing to meet its constitutional obligation to maintain public schools by leaving schools such as Troy dependent on local property taxes to fund education.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra says she is open to listening to other funding options. She says her office is working on restoring discretionary money to education.