Three area school districts have levies and a bond up for vote Tuesday

Bonneville District 93 and West Jefferson District 253 are asking for renewal of their supplemental levies.

Teton District 401 is asking for a construction bond to build two new elementary schools and other additions.

Every two years the state of Idaho requires school districts to get a renewal vote on their supplemental levy.

District 93 Superintendent Dr. Chuck Shackett says residents already pay for the levy so it will not increase taxes.

Shackett also said that securing the $3 million is imperative for the district to continue its normal operations.

“You just have to realize it’s like a family budget. If we have $3 million less starting next year we have to cut something,” said Shackett.

District 93 isn’t the only one asking for a renewal.

West Jefferson District 253 is also asking for a favorable vote of their $300,000 levy.

District 253 Superintendent Dwight Richins says the levy is what helps pay for the staff salaries.

“We’re a small rural school district and it’s really difficult right now to recruit and to keep teachers and if we don’t have a little better salary or little better benefits. We’re trying to give them as much as we can so that we can keep them, ” said Richins.

Teton District 401 has experienced a great deal of growth.

District 401 is asking for a $19 million bond to build two elementary schools and other additions.

This is the second time they are asking for a bond.

The bond failed by 11 percent in August.

District 401 Superintendent Monte Woolstenhulme believes it failed because there wasn’t enough education about the bond.

Woolstenhulme said if approved the bond will help enhance the learning experience and accommodate the growing number of students.

“Investing in these schools will benefit our children to be career and college ready when they graduate from our school district,”said Woolstenhulme.