New school to be named for J.R. Simplot

A new American Falls elementary school has been named for a one-time eastern Idahoan, J.R. Simplot. The school board approved the name Monday.

Jack Richard “J.R.” Simplot was born in 1909 in Iowa, but grew up between American Falls and Declo. In 1929 he started his first business. During the early 1940’s the business expanded, serving the military dehydrated onions and potatoes during World War II. In 1953, Simplot patented the frozen french-fried potato, an invention that has had a significant impact on Power County.

The 38,692 square foot school building will host about 350 students in grades 3-5. It is located on the site of the old American Falls High School. That school was built in 1934 and torn down in 2000 when the new high school was completed.

Simplot named his first fertilizer production facility after his son, Don. The “Don” plant opened in 1944.

“I know my dad would be thrilled to be remembered in this way,” Said Scott Simplot, J.R.’s youngest son and Chairman of the J.R. Simplot Company. “He was committed to helping our youth achieve great things and one way we keep his legacy alive is through our continued efforts to support education and young people.”