By Megan Boatwright, Local News 8 Reporter
Voters will decide whether to pass or fail a $45 million bond for the Jefferson County School District Wednesday. The school district wants to build a new facility to better accommodate their fast growing high school.
While the current economic conditions may seem like the worst possible time to expand, the Jefferson County School Board says different.
Thanks to some unique conditions the school board decided to accelerate plans to build a new high school. If the bond passes, construction could begin as early as 2011.
7th grade students pile into a crowded Midway Middle School lunchroom Tuesday afternoon. Principal Ken Meacham says the room isn't even large enough for the entire class, let alone the schools 700 plus students.
"It seems like the school grows more and more every year," said 7th grade teacher, Kathy Radford.
Midway Middle School Principal, Ken Meacham, has seen the school explode in the last four years.
"We added eight new classrooms to accommodate our 6th and 7th grades," Meacham said.
That's just part of the reason Superintendent Ron Tolman said the school board is trying to pass a $45 million bond.
Low construction costs, bond rates, the chance to qualify for a bond with little to no interest and a statute mandating the State of Idaho pay a third of the district's principal and interest payments are several reasons the board decided to act sooner than anticipated.
"Look at other businesses in Rigby, they're doing the same thing," Tolman said. "People are building now, if expansion is in their long term interest."
All Jefferson schools are expected to grow by 3-5% for the next five years.
Tolman said the district is able to ask for the $45 million bond because they've restructured current bonds. Tolman said the bond will not increase tax levies for patrons.
You can cast your vote at any school in the district. The polls will be open Wednesday from 7 a.m. -7 p.m.
