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Idaho State News

Idaho Schools Receive First in Series of Payments for School Facilities Improvements

November 12, 2024

(Idaho State) – The Idaho Department of Education has issued the first of its payments to school  districts through the new School Modernization Facilities Fund. So far, more than $514 million  have been distributed to improve school district facilities across the state.  

House Bill 521, passed by the Idaho legislature in 2024, provided the ability for the state to bond  for approximately $1 billion in facility funding and allocate and distribute that funding to school  districts based on Average Daily Attendance (ADA). It also allows for the repayment of bond  debt using state sales tax revenues over the next 10 years. School districts must meet certain  requirements to receive the funding, including conducting facility condition assessments of  school buildings and submitting a 10-year facility needs plan.  

The first payment went out to school districts on October 30.  

“This distribution gives districts state funding designated to help them perform updates and  repairs to the spaces where Idaho students come to learn and achieve,” said Superintendent of  Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield. “I’d like to thank the Idaho Legislature and Governor  Little for recognizing the need, as well as the State Building Authority and all of the educational  stakeholders who came together to expedite this initiative for Idaho’s districts, charters and  students.”  

Idaho schools will receive another payment at the end of December, with the final distribution  expected in February. 

“This funding will mean different things for different districts, whether it be fixing a leaky roof,  improving HVAC systems, creating additional learning spaces and more,” said Critchfield.  “Whether a school is making a small repair or a large expansion, they are now better equipped to  make changes that directly benefit students, teachers and their wider educational communities.”

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