NAMPA, Idaho — A $12 million Nampa School District levy fell short by a razor-thin margin of only ten votes Tuesday.
The final tally came down to 3,734 people voting for the levy, and 3,744 voting against it.
The money was earmarked for a new curriculum, staff and building upgrades, and would have replaced an existing levy that runs out at the end of the fiscal year.
Nampa School District Assistant Superintendent Gregg Russell told KTVB earlier this week that the district wanted to use some of the money to make repairs - including at some schools where the roofs leak into the hallways when it rains - and increase security.
A portion of the money would have also gone to music programs in the district, and transportation for student-athletes, Russell said.
If passed, the levy would have decreased the overall tax rate, leading to a tax bill that stayed the same or slightly decreased for Nampa residents.
School district officials have not yet indicated whether they will seek a recount, which is common when an issue or race is decided by just a few votes. A spokeswoman for Nampa schools said the district will discuss next steps at the school board meeting Tuesday, Nov. 12.
