CALDWELL, Idaho — This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
Election results are in, and residents did not vote to renew the Caldwell School District’s $4.1 million levy. As a direct result, the CSD announced a list of cost-saving measures, including the immediate closure of one of its schools.
The closure of Lincoln Elementary School is slated for this fall, according to a district communication sent to staff and parents. The elementary school’s staff and students will be relocated to the district’s other five elementary schools for the upcoming year.
According to the communication, the decision follows the failed renewal of the levy as well as a reduction of state funding by $5.5 million.
The district will also be reconfiguring its middle schools. Syringa Middle School will now serve seventh and eighth grades. Jefferson Middle School will serve fifth- and sixth-grade students.
"Caldwell is growing and this allows the district to best serve students and maximize our school facilities," Communications Director Jessica Watts wrote when asked about the reconfiguration.
The technology, maintenance and district offices have already seen staff cuts. There will also be a reduction of school resource officers and safe school aides.
Students will also see an impact on extracurriculars. The district will be limiting transportation for activities and field trips. Going forward, students participating in extracurriculars and athletics will be required to pay a fee.
In a previous interview with the Idaho Press, Superintendent Shalene French said it can be difficult to pass bonds and levies in local elections.
Caldwell's 2022 supplemental levy, whose renewal failed, originally passed by just 30 votes.
“It’s a different mindset when it comes to supporting the public schools,” French said. “Not everyone who lives here now may have lived here five years ago. They may be new to the community and it’s just not a priority.”
The school board will hold a meeting at Lincoln Elementary on June 3 at 6 p.m. where trustees will discuss these changes.
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press, read more on IdahoPress.com.
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