Patrons of Salmon River JSD 243,
Wow, how time flies. It just seemed like yesterday that we were starting school. Here it is the middle of May and time for the “Supplemental Levy” election again. With your help and support we have had another “Great” year. All of our athletic teams were successful and represented the school and community well. Next year we will be selling advertising and producing the sports schedules in-house instead of contracting it out. With a gift from Leighton Vander Esch we were able to relocate our weight room, replacing the old equipment with new equipment. Moving the weight room allowed us to turn the old weight room back into a classroom.
We were able to purchase new Language Art curriculum for both the elementary and secondary schools. The teachers and students have been working hard implementing the new curriculum. We have ordered new math curriculum for next year at the secondary school. The math teachers will be attending training this summer on how to best implement this new curriculum. Staff from both schools have been working on building positive cultures at their schools by using a program called PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Support).
We were able to complete upgrading the heating and air conditioning units in the classrooms. We continued to upgrade flooring and paint as need throughout both campuses. At the elementary we replaced the wooden steps to the portables and will be replacing the ramp this summer. I would like to thank the maintenance and custodial staff for doing a great job keeping the facilities clean and functional.
We had three staff members that completed their Master Degrees this spring; congratulations to Kyle Ewing (MA in Education Leadership), Andrea Haile (MA in Education) and Liz Galli (MA School Counseling). Good luck and best wishes to Tracy Travis and Jan Barany as both of them will be retiring at the end of this school year. They will be missed.
Our students also had a successful year. You are invited to come to our annual Awards Dinner on Thursday May 23rdand Graduation on Friday May 24thto help celebrate their accomplishments.
The election for the Supplemental Levey is Tuesday May 21st. Please see attached “Fact Sheet” for more information on the Supplemental Levey. Most importantly, remember to Vote.
Thanks again for your continual support.
Sincerely,
Jim Doramus
Superintendent/Principal
Salmon River JSD 243
Annual Salmon River JSD #243
Supplemental Levy
Tuesday – May21st8am – 8pm
Voting locations: Salmon River Heritage Center of Canyon Pines RV Park.
Ballots are mailed to all Adams County Voters and some of Idaho Count’s North voters.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why do we need a $525,000 Levy?
The state of Idaho continues to under fund education, leaving schools without the needed funds to meet educational requirements. This Levy replaces last years, this is not an additional Levyand supplements our income to maintain our current operationsand covers the state’s shortfall
for basic operation, special education, advanced placement courses, extra-curricular activities such as BPA, athletics, and much more.This Levy will show on your December 2019-2020 tax assessment bills.
How much will it cost me on my taxes?
It will cost $3.81 per thousand ($0.14 less than last year) of the assessed value of your property, minus the homeowner’s exemption. For more information on how to figure your homeowner exemption visit: http://tax.idaho.gov/i-1051.cfm
Are we going to need a supplemental Levy every year?
YES, this is an ANNUALreplacement Levy and as long as the State of Idaho continues its current form of funding for public education we will need a supplemental Levy. Continued support from our community is vital, State and Federal funding is unstable and inadequate. Our school is vital to the community of Riggins. Our community needs families to survive and families need and want a good quality school.
What if the Levy doesn’t pass?
The school board and administration will be forced to make difficult cuts that will drastically affect the quality of education, our students, our staff, our facilities, and our community.
What do we want in our schools?
We desire to maintain a safe environment and a quality of education to advance opportunities for both college preparatory, vocational pursuits, and continue to enhance the curriculum and technology with professional development for our staff so they can have the necessary tools to give every student the opportunity to excel. The district took on the responsibility of providing Preschool services to our families, due to the closure of Head Start. Our district feels strongly that children who attend a high-quality early childhood education program, make cognitive and social gains that prepare them to start school. State monies cannot be used to fund a preschool program.
Many of our students that go on to college are well prepared and most with numerous dual credits on their transcripts and receive substantial scholarships. We want to continue extra-curricular activities, which plays a major role in a student’s ability to work as a team player as well as accept defeat and victory in good sportsmanship. We have great & talented students in our schools that deserve the best we can give them; our athletic accomplishments are just icing on the cake!
Preparing students for a global workplace with 21stcentury communication and critical thinking skills is crucial. Technology plays a huge role in this and is VERY underfunded. It is nearly impossible for districts to maintain current equipment and keep up with the ever-changing world of technology with the money provided by the state.
How does the Levy benefit me as a taxpayer?
Having a quality school in our area brings families to the area and promotes business and industry. These businesses yield the jobs needed to sustain our community. Property owners and renters are both stakeholders in our schools and have voting privileges.Keeping a thriving community keeps our properties value. Also keeps our stores, restaurants, gas stations, financial institutions, and other businesses open.
Facts:
* Your vote is very important; make sure you get yours in!
*We’ve been our own district for over 12 years. 100% of this Levy goes to our local School District!
*We’ve been able to hire and retain quality Teachers and Support Staff!
* Both our Jr./Sr. High School and our Elementary School have met their State and Federal Academic Goals!
*We have 5 volunteer members of this community serving as our local school board:Rich Friend, Eric Hook, Barbara Hawkins, John Pottenger, and Christina Nelson.
*You can vote Absentee ballot. To receive an absentee ballot, contact the Idaho County Courthouse at 983-2751.
*You can register to vote the day of the Levy with valid ID and proof of address.
Thank you for the support of our local youth!
Visit our school website www.jsd243.netand feel free to call our Business Manager with any budget questions 630-6027 or attend the monthly school board meetings, held on the 3rdMonday of the month at the High School.