Rising Costs Force Idaho School District to Seek Levy

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (AP) — Blackfoot School District officials in southeast Idaho will ask voters to approve a $2.6 million supplemental levy in March.

Superintendent Chad Struhs says the money will help meet school and classroom needs amid rising costs. He tells the Idaho State Journal (http://bit.ly/1J4343H) that some money has come in from the state but it's not enough. Struhs says money from the levy would also help keep salaries and benefits competitive with surrounding districts.

The district is also looking at improving technology and instructional resources. The levy would replace an existing $1.975 million levy that's set to expire. The additional cost to taxpayers would be about $3.32 more per month on a $100,000 home.