Dear Parents, Patrons, and Stakeholders of the Caldwell School District,
At the regularly scheduled Board Meeting held on September 12, 2016, the Caldwell School District Board of Trustees approved the request for an emergency levy. The request for the levy was based on an increase in student attendance as compared to the 2015-2016 school year. Student attendance was calculated using attendance reports generated in the first ten (10) days of school.
Emergency levies are unique and you may have questions regarding this type of levy. The State of Idaho allows school districts the means to secure funding for unanticipated attendance increases through an emergency levy. This type of levy does not require voter approval. However, this levy is for one-year only and must be approved by the Board of Trustees. This levy is not debt and it is not a loan. School districts must meet certain qualifications in order to be eligible for this type of levy.
After reviewing our attendance data, district administration determined that an emergency levy was necessary in order to address student academic needs. Trustees were asked to approve an emergency levy in the amount of $154,048.00. In calculating this amount, Caldwell School District administration determined that an increase to the current levy rate was not necessary. Instead, administration asked the Board of Trustees to reallocate funding currently generated from the existing bond levy. This means that $154,048.00 of the funds currently being collected for the bond levy will be allocated to the district’s general maintenance and operation budget. Reallocating these funds will not impact our ability to meet our financial obligations.
The funds will be used to pay the salaries and benefits of instructional paraprofessionals who assist in classrooms with larger student to teacher ratios. A portion of these funds will also be used to purchase curriculum materials and supplies.
If you should have additional questions, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you for your support of Caldwell School District #132.
Sincerely,
Dr. N. Shalene French
Superintendent
Caldwell School District #132