Idaho Falls’ $110 million bond issue failed. What’s next?

IDAHO FALLS — The Idaho Falls School District’s controversial, $110 million bond issue to upgrade its two large high schools failed Tuesday.

Yet voters could find a revamped measure back on the ballot.

“Over the next few weeks and months, the district will reach out to parents and patrons, gather input and determine the best path forward,” said district spokeswoman Margaret Wimborne.

The grassroots group that opposed Tuesday’s bond issue said patrons should gear up for round 2.

“We all will be called upon again in the near future to review the needs in our high schools and asked again to vote to spend tax monies for them,” said D91 Taxpayers spokeswoman Lisa Keller.

Keller said the group isn’t opposed to funding a measure to upgrade Idaho Falls and Skyline high schools, but said something “can be done for a fraction of the first massive bill.”

Fifty-eight percent of Bonneville County voters approved the original measure Tuesday. Bond issues require a two-thirds supermajority to pass in Idaho.

The next possible date to float a bond will be in March 2018.

Stay with Idaho Education News in the coming months for further developments on this story.

Devin Bodkin

Devin Bodkin

EdNews assistant editor and reporter Devin Bodkin is a former high school English teacher who specializes in stories about charter schools and educating students who live in poverty. He lives and works in East Idaho. Follow Devin on Twitter @dsbodkin. He can be reached by email at [email protected].

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