[Vision2020] School Facilities

[Shirley Ringo]

Visionaries:

 Today, a legislative plan I helped to write and sponsor was introduced in the House Education Committee.  Highlights of the plan involve the state sharing support for:

 

                        Building maintenance

                        Immediate resolution of safety issues

                        School construction, on a sliding scale

                        Payments for existing indebtedness, on a sliding scale.

 

I believe this legislation forcefully addresses the issues in the school facilities lawsuit.  The lawsuit has been consuming time and money for entirely too long, with no resolution.  If this legislation passes, the state of Idaho can be recognized for its efforts to assure that students are educated in buildings that are safe and conducive to learning.  There will be recognition that districts differ in their ability to pay for buildings, and we will move towards a more fair and uniform system.  If this plan is approved, districts will realize a measure of property tax relief.

 

There is also a proposal introduced by the Republican majority to address some of these issues.  It is my hope that there will be an opportunity for educators and citizens to evaluate both plans, with the resulting decision being best for Idaho schools. 

 

The plan submitted by Republican leadership is House Bill 690.  My committee's bill is HB691.  I will post later to highlight the differences between the two pieces of legislation.

 

Shirley
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