Articles
School District Needs a New Levy, Superintendent Says
August 2025
“Superintendent Jim Foudy said in a call with the Express that a new, short-term levy is needed and he is hoping it will be on the November ballot.”
Supplemental Levy Facts from BCSD
September 2025
►Read more at: https://www.bcsd-supplemental-levy.org
Analysis: Through inaction, the Legislature makes Idaho’s special education crisis even worse
April 2025
“In 2023, Idaho’s $336 million in special education spending came from a patchwork of sources — including federal funding and the state’s funding formula. But the feds and the state don’t cover everything, leaving local schools to use voter-passed supplemental property tax levies and other sources to cover the rest.”
►Read more at: https://www.idahoednews.org/top-news/analysis-through-inaction-the-legislature-makes-idahos-special-education-crisis-even-worse/
Cybersecurity: The Greatest Threat Schools Aren’t Ready For
April 2025
“The Center for Internet Security recently released a report revealing that 82% of schools suffered from a cyber incident over an 18-month period. From ransomware attacks to AI-powered phishing scams, cybercriminals are finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities — especially in under-resourced institutions like schools and municipalities. Plaggemier shares practical steps schools can take to protect themselves, from implementing multi-factor authentication to training staff on phishing awareness. She says the biggest mistake is not being prepared for a cyberthreats.”
► Read more at: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/edcast/25/04/cybersecurity-greatest-threat-schools-arent-ready
Full-day Kindergarten Helps Close the Achievement Gaps
July 2020
“Full-day kindergarten is a sound educational investment. Research demonstrates that full-day kindergarten, though initially more costly than half-day kindergarten, is worth the expense. Full-day kindergarten not only boosts students’ academic achievement, it also strength- ens their social and emotional skills. Additionally, it offers benefits to teachers and parents—teachers have more time to work with and get to know students, and parents have access to better learn- ing and care for their children. The bottom line: everyone gains.”
► Read more at:
https://www.nea.org/sites/default/files/2020-07/18001_Full-Day_Kindergarten_Policy_Brief-final.pdf
Idaho schools receive lowest per-student funding in the nation
February 12, 2024
“Education comes at a price, and some states invest more in their students than others. Idaho spends the least amount on education overall…”
► Read more at:
https://www.learner.com/blog/states-that-spend-the-most-on-education
IdahoEdNews.org: Districts lean on short-term levies to pay for long-term investments — people
June 29, 2023
“Across Idaho, school districts routinely make similar [levy] requests of their voters: money to hire additional staffers, offer a pay raise or beef up benefits. By and large, voters say yes…Idaho districts continue to depend on supplemental levies to pay for their personnel costs — even after the Legislature has made significant investments in salaries and benefits over the past several years…”
► Read more at:
https://www.idahoednews.org/state-policy/districts-lean-on-short-term-levies-to-pay-for-long-term-investments-people/
Learn more: School Finance Basics FAQ
August 29, 2023
BCSD is committed to providing a high-quality education to all students and ensuring that they are well-prepared for success in college, career, and life.
Blaine County School District's number one priority is student achievement. To achieve this goal, the district uses a variety of strategies, including the use of professional learning communities (PLCs), to encourage collaboration among educators and to support student learning. By working together and focusing on the needs of individual students, educators in the district are better able to meet the diverse needs of their student population and ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
In addition to supporting student achievement, the BCSD Board of Trustees is committed to balancing the budget, demonstrating good financial stewardship, supporting teacher development and retention, and maintaining and enhancing technology and infrastructure, among other things.…
► Read more at:
https://www.blaineschools.org/Page/5153