Three business groups are throwing their support before the Boise School District’s $172.5 million bond issue proposal.

The Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Boise Regional Realtors and the Idaho Associated General Contractors are endorsing the March 14 bond issue.

“The chamber understands the importance of providing the Boise School District with adequate resources to ensure that the district continues to produce well-educated children that will comprise Idaho’s future work force,” chamber president and CEO Bill Connors said in a news release issued Wednesday by bond supporters. “This bond will allow the District to update aging school buildings with modern and appropriate facilities and remain as one of the top-performing districts in the state.”

If the bond issue receives the needed two-thirds supermajority support, the Boise district will 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 school facilities. The bond issue will not increase Boise’s school property tax rate.

Boise is just one of several large districts going to the polls in March. Kuna, Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston are seeking bond issues, and a spate of school levies will appear on ballots across the state.

Coming this month: Idaho Education News will team up with Boise State Public Radio to take a closer look at the Boise bond issue.