Fruitland School District Seeks Voter Support for $1.5 Million Levy
FRUITLAND, Idaho — The Fruitland School District is rallying community support for a proposed $1.5 million supplemental levy aimed at enhancing student education and repairing aging facilities. If approved, the two-year levy would primarily fund new curriculum development and address urgent infrastructure issues, including the replacement of a cracked athletic track deemed unsafe for use.
Superintendent Stoney Winston is optimistic about the levy’s impact, announcing that it would cost taxpayers approximately $91 per $100,000 of assessed property value, though efforts are underway to reduce this amount. "Using over a third of our discretionary dollars for special education leaves little for curriculum," Winston noted. He estimates the cost could be lowered to around $7.36 per $100,000, thanks to potential support from the state’s school facilities fund.
Currently, teachers such as Drew Judeson, a math instructor at Fruitland High School, describe a fragmented curriculum approach. “We kinda just hodgepodge curriculum the best we can,” he lamented, emphasizing the need for a coordinated K-12 curriculum that would streamline learning and collaboration among educators.
Beyond curriculum improvements, the levy would also provide funds for new equipment in band and fine arts programs, enhancing the overall educational experience. The deteriorated track poses a significant safety risk, with concerns about student injuries arising from its condition.
Plans for the new track indicate a long-term vision for the district, potentially paving the way for the future construction of a new high school featuring modern security advancements. "We want to protect our students to the best of our ability," Winston emphasized, underlining the critical importance of the funding initiative. Voter support in the upcoming election will be crucial for these educational advancements.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
