Opponents allege school district overstepped rules

Opponents of a Salmon School District #291 construction bond claim the school board is violating Idaho campaign statutes. The opponents claim the school board is using public money to promote the bond.

The $25,600,000 general obligation bond would finance construction of an integrated elementary/middle school. The project would include facilities for a gymnasium and facilities for District Administration. If approved, the bond would create a tax of $265 per $100,000 of assessed property value. It would require two-thirds majority for approval.

Lemhi County Prosecutor Paul Withers confirms he has received written information alleging the school district has violated Idaho Code Section 74-601, the Public Integrity and Elections Act.

Withers says he has asked a prosecutor from another county to review the allegations as a special prosecutor and determine if they are valid complaints.

As of this week, Withers said he has not heard back as to whether that attorney had agreed to investigate.