STAR – Students who live south of State Highway 44 in Star are currently bussed about seven miles to the nearest elementary school in Eagle.

“It’s not an effective, quality education when kids are spending 45 minutes each way on a bus,” said Star mayor Trevor Chadwick.

One year from now, a new elementary school will occupy the land across from Star Middle School in the West Ada School District, and that 45-minute bus ride will be history.

West Ada administrators, Star city officials and Idaho legislators gathered for a traditional groundbreaking ceremony on the property of a yet-unnamed elementary school in Star. 

“Schools are critical infrastructure. People don’t realize it, but they truly are,” Chadwick said. 

In his address to the crowd, superintendent Derek Bub thanked Idaho Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Moyle, who was present, and the Idaho Legislature for passing House Bill 521, which provided school districts with facilities funds. West Ada, Idaho’s largest district, received more than $150 million with the bill’s passing in 2024.

The new school incurs a $20 million cost, covered by the district’s HB 521 funds. The new elementary began construction shortly after the West Ada board approved the $12.8 million purchase of a warehouse to expand the district’s Career Technical Education opportunities.

Built for a maximum of 700 students, the school is part of West Ada’s efforts to meet the needs of rapidly growing communities within its boundaries.

“[We see rapid growth on] the two sides of our district. We have this immediate need in the Star area, we also know south Meridian has an immediate need,” said Bub. West Ada is currently looking for land to build a new school in south Meridian.