TWIN FALLS, Idaho — The Twin Falls School District is looking to add a $7.2 million levy on the upcoming November ballot. The proposed levy would replace the current $5.7 million levy that expires at the end of this fiscal year.
The district is asking for $7.2 million per year for two years.
The district wants the funding to implement armed security guards at elementary schools, school resource officers at secondary schools as well as salaries and benefits for over 60 school employees.
The school district would also want to use the funding to help cover maintenance costs, as the legislature reallocated lottery funds.
Finally, the district stated the levy will help to continue providing student activities like athletics and music free of charge.
Twin Falls School District said the levy is necessary to maintain current staffing and programs while supporting enhancements to their security measures.
The district said the proposed levy would cost the taxpayer $91 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value compared to the $72 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value of the current levy.
"The requested increase is due to increased costs to the District, the end of federal COVID Relief funds, and the loss of state lottery funds historically used to pay for maintenance staff.," said Eva Craner, TFSD Director of Public Relations.
