CALDWELL, Idaho — Changes are coming to the Caldwell School District.
Spokesperson, Jessica Watts described it as a "challenging time."
The school district is making $5.5 million in cuts, after the $4.1 supplementary levy did not pass and they won't be receiving about $1.4 million from the state.
You can watch Monday's live special school board meeting here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyBPeEMoGD8
"The district is working through to make these cuts and adjustments to make sure that the student's education is at the forefront," Watts said.
CSD announced they've already made cuts to positions in the district office, including technology and maintenance positions. They've also cut down the amount of School Resource Officer's (SRO's) and school aides.
As for changes in the classroom, the district will close Lincoln Elementary School. Lincoln is one of the oldest buildings in the district, Watts said.
Lincoln students will transfer to one of the five other elementary schools in the district. As for Lincoln teachers, most are also transferring to other schools and positions district wide, Watts said.
"As far as the positions from Lincoln Elementary, most of those individuals will be placed at other schools through attrition, personnel retiring or not returning to the district next year," she added.
The middle schools are also changing.
"There's definitely going to be an impact on students, families, and our staff and community with these changes," Watts said.
Up until now, the middle schools were sixth, seventh, and eight graders.
Starting fall 2024, Jefferson Middle School will be home for all fifth and sixth graders. And Syringa Middle School will be home for the seventh and eighth graders.
To make this work, the district is working through plans to reconfigure district boundary lines. Watts said these would most likely be shown at Monday's special meeting.
About 280 will attend a new school next year, Watts said.
More reductions and changes to transportation, including athletics and field trips.
"We're just looking at ways we can reduce bus routes ... lessen the transportation costs," Watts said.
Changes are also coming to school programs.
KTVB asked the district, if a 4-day week was something they considered.
"That's something that administration doesn't feel would best benefit the students in Caldwell," Watts said. "So we will not be going to a 4-day school week next year."
Once the board finalizes the budget for next year, the district predicts over 60 positions will be eliminated district wide.
Kuna faces budget cuts too
The Kuna School Board also held a special meeting Monday night.
You can watch their live stream here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqrrlGLBKg8
Voters did not pass the $5.3 million supplemental levy that would have gone towards maintaining teachers and curriculum, as well as critical facilities maintenance at several schools.
"Tonight, district leaders will review other proposals for reducing costs with the Board as it prepares for a June 11, 2024 budget hearing," Kuna Schools Spokesperson, Allison Westfall said in an email to KTVB.
"Earlier this year, the Board approved shifting from hiring custodians to contracting for custodial services," Westfall said.
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