The Boise School District has picked up another round of endorsements for its $172.5 million bond issue.
Mayor Dave Bieter and the Boise City Council gave the bond issue their unanimous support this week.
“Boise City Council resolutions are rare and reserved for critical issues that directly impact our citizens,” Bieter said in a news release issued by bond supporters Thursday. “Quality education is the cornerstone to our economy and to maintaining a livable city. The Boise School District is one of the best in the country, and it is imperative that it continues to have the resources needed to prepare our children for healthy and productive lives.”
The Treasure Valley YMCA also backed the bond issue. “We have a shared goal to help youth grow into happy, healthy, productive, and contributing citizens,” YMCA board chair Maureen O’Keeffe said.
Earlier this month, the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Boise Regional Realtors and the Idaho Associated General Contractors threw their support behind the bond issue.
Boise voters will decide on the bond issue on March 14.
If the proposed gets the needed two-thirds supermajority support, Boise would use the money to build six new elementary schools on existing school sites, a new elementary school at East Boise’s growing Harris Ranch subdivision and $58.8 million in maintenance projects at 41 facilities. The bond issue will not increase Boise’s school property tax rate.
It’s one of several big-ticket school elections on the March 14 ballot. Bond issues and levies are on the docket in West Ada, Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston and Kuna, among other districts.
Later this month: Idaho Education News and Boise State Public Radio will team up for an in-depth look at the Boise bond issue.
