Middleton, Idaho – On Tuesday, voters in the Middleton School District rejected a supplemental levy that sought to raise $3 million over two years. The measure fell short of the simple majority needed, with roughly 52% voting against and 48% in favor.

What the levy would have funded

The proposed levy was designed to provide $1.5 million each year to address three key areas:

• School security: Adding armed security guards at elementary schools and an additional school resource officer.
• Curriculum materials: Purchasing updated instructional resources for classrooms.
• Transportation services: Covering costs for transporting students to certain athletic events.

According to district officials, the levy would have cost taxpayers an estimated $30 per year for every $100,000 of taxable assessed property value.

Background and recent budget challenges

District leaders explained that the supplemental levy was a response to service cuts made after a larger $1.9 million levy was narrowly rejected by voters in May. Superintendent Marc Gee told Idaho News 6 that the district had reduced staffing and certain programs following the May vote and that the new proposal was intended to restore some of those lost services at a lower cost.

“We reduced staffing and services after the May election,” Gee said. “This new levy is meant to address those losses while keeping the financial impact on taxpayers modest.”

Implications of the vote

The defeat of the levy means the district will need to continue operating with the reduced staffing levels and limited resources that resulted from the earlier vote. School board members indicated they will explore alternative funding options, including potential state grants, private donations, and targeted budget adjustments.

Community members expressed a range of opinions during the meeting preceding the vote. Some parents emphasized the importance of having armed security personnel on campus, while others raised concerns about the additional tax burden.

Next steps for the district

Middleton School District officials plan to hold a follow‑up meeting to discuss possible strategies for maintaining student safety and program quality without the supplemental levy. The board will also review the district’s budget to identify areas where efficiencies can be achieved.

Stakeholders are encouraged to stay engaged with the school board’s upcoming sessions, which will be announced on the district’s website and through local media outlets.

Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.