Madison seeks voter levy approval

The Madison School Board will bring a two-year $1.995 million per year operational levy to voters August 28. It will be the third two-year renewal of the levy and would require a simple majority to pass.

The district will seek the same amount of money as has been collected and focus on specific needs.

“We appreciate the taxpayers and patrons placing value in education and keeping this levy in place the last four years,” said Assistant Superintendent Randy Lords. “We believe the district has been very good stewards of these levy dollars and hope you continue to trust us to fill the ongoing needs within our district.”

Specifically, the levy would spend $215,000 to restore two paid teaching days with students. Five days were cut during the national recession and the funding would begin to restore that time.

$205,000 would be set aside for school security improvements. Bulletproof glass would be installed on all windows larger than 1′ by 1.’ The second set of entry doors at Madison High School would also be replaced.

Other identified uses of the funding would be $425,000 for technology upgrades, $500,00 for textbooks and other materials, $350,000 for preventative maintenance, and $300,000 to purchase 3 new buses each year and phase out the oldest ones.

“I believe Madison School District 321 is the finest district in the State of Idaho,” said Superintendent Dr. Geoff Thomas. “One of the key reasons, aside from our amazing staff and students, is that we live in a very supportive, education minded community.”

Levy information can be found here.