Growing pains, again, in West Ada School District
By Bill Roberts, The Idaho Statesman | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
In response,
Unrelenting enrollment increases have shaped the district for more than two decades, even through the recession, as the
More than 4,000 students have moved into district classrooms since 2007. Officials encouraged many of them to attend previously low-enrollment schools, such as Pioneer,
"We know we are back in a growth pattern," said
The district is asking voters to approve bonds on
--A new elementary school and middle school south of
--A middle school near
--Completing an upgrade and expansion at
--Property purchases for schools that are sure to come later:
If the ballot measure passes with the required two-thirds majority, homeowners would pay
MAKING ROOM FOR HOUSES, STUDENTS
New homes are popping up all over the district. Residential building permits in
Nowhere is the growth as fast as south of
Land is available for building there, and it is close to the freeway, which buyers see as a convenience, said
The district also encompasses portions of
SHOEHORNED STUDENTS
At 34-year-old
Between classes, 1,435 students -- 435 more than the school was built to handle -- edge their way from class to class in cramped hallways. Teachers and others try to keep their eyes on students, but it is hard to spot every bit of mischief or problematic behavior, said
"Obviously, patience wears thin at times," he said.
A new school also is needed to reduce overcrowding by a total of more than 300 students at seven elementaries: Desert Sage, Lake Hazel,
Middle schools in the district's northern section are feeling crimped, too.
"Potentially, in three years, we are going to see a lot more houses in the west and north side of the valley," said
NO RELIEF IN CLASS
Classroom sizes depend upon the number of teachers, and their salaries are funded mainly with money lawmakers appropriate for public education. When the state cut funding, the district stopped hiring new teachers and diverted some funds that would have paid for instructors into other needs. For 2014-15, that total is about
To attract and retain teachers, the district also says it must pay them more than the state formula calls for.
Lawmakers cut
"The district will not be able to address class sizes until the state funding is fully restored," Clark said.
WHAT'S THE COST?
District officials say they can build the schools they need and still lower the district's overall property tax levy by
In the past year, the taxable value of all property in the district has increased by more than
When property values rise, tax rates typically fall, though the amount paid by an individual taxpayer could rise or fall, depending on how much the property's value changed.
If the bond measure passes, the school district's total tax levy for 2014-15 would be
--
--
--
Dividing the total levy amount by the total property value results in a levy rate equal to
___
(c)2014 The Idaho Statesman (Boise, Idaho)
Visit The Idaho Statesman (Boise, Idaho) at www.idahostatesman.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
Wordcount: | 1219 |
Couples were handpicked for gay marriage suit
Annuity Changes Could Have Been Worse for Indiana Retirees
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News