[Vision2020] School Facilities

[keely emerinemix]

Thank you, Shirley, from the bottom of my school board 
trustee-parent-taxpayer-education lovin' heart.  I haven't seen the details, 
but as part of the Idaho School Boards Association Governmental Affairs 
Committee, I know we'll be kept up to date on the bill's progress.

In my reading of the State Supreme Court's decision, I understood that the 
conclusion was that bond levies were determined to be an inadequate and 
inappropriate method of funding construction and large-scale remodeling.  
I'm concerned, then, that there is quite a bit of attention being paid to 
lowering voter approval levels as a response to the Court's decision.  Am I 
correct in understanding that regardless of voter approval levels, bond 
levies are no longer to be the primary funding for such projects?  Please 
correct me if I'm wrong; I'm sure this is confusing for others as well.

keely


From: "Shirley Ringo" <ringoshirl at moscow.com>
To: <vision2020 at moscow.com>
Subject: [Vision2020] School Facilities
Date: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 11:29:59 -0700

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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