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- calendar_today October 13, 2026
Valley School District Proposes Levy Renewal
The Valley School District in Hazelton, Idaho, is asking voters to consider renewing a $1.5 million plant facilities levy during the upcoming election on November 3. School officials emphasize that the continued funding is vital to maintain the district's school infrastructure and address recurring and unexpected maintenance issues.
Levy Details and Tax Impact
The proposed plant facilities levy would provide $300,000 annually for five years. If approved by voters, the new levy would replace the one currently set to expire in 2027. Homeowners in the district would see a drop in their property tax levy rate; the rate would decrease from $101.42 to $74.81 per $100,000 of taxable assessed property value, saving property owners $26.61 per $100,000 over that time frame. The levy must receive at least 55% approval among voters to pass.
Maintenance Challenges at the 70-Year-Old School
The Valley School District school building, which serves about 500 students, is over 70 years old. Superintendent Ty Jones highlighted the increasing need for school repair funding, noting that last year alone the district spent approximately $100,000 on plumbing issues and a similar amount on heating and HVAC system repairs.
According to Jones, "General maintenance is the easiest way to say it, $300,000 per year for five years." The aging infrastructure has required significant interventions, including replacement of outdated mechanical systems and repairs after major flooding incidents. The basement of the school, for instance, was heavily affected by a flood last year that left two to three feet of water and caused extensive damage to piping.
Impact on Teachers and Students
Maintenance issues have directly affected learning environments. Fifth-grade teacher Katelynn Baumert recounted how a leaking classroom sink forced her to leave her classroom for three months while repairs were underway. The disruption required relocating all classroom materials, and walls had to be taken down for repairs. Baumert emphasized the importance of running water, especially for activities like her annual holiday pancake party.
Importance of the Levy for Ongoing School Facility Repairs
Superintendent Jones underlined that many emergencies and maintenance needs would have been impossible to address without the support provided by the plant facilities levy. While portions of the building were remodeled in the 1990s, ongoing problems continue to surface—including inside classrooms, hallways, and vital infrastructure systems. The regular funding from the building maintenance levy ensures that the district can quickly tackle repairs and maintain a safe, functional environment for students and staff.
Upcoming Levy Vote
The levy renewal is seen by district leaders as crucial for the continued provision of school maintenance funding, especially given the rural nature of the community and the reliance on local property taxes for major repairs. As the November 3 vote approaches, the outcome will determine whether Valley School District can maintain its facilities and provide necessary repairs for the next five years.
Source: kivitv.com.
