Basin School District Supplemental Levy Proposal Facts
2026-27 and 2027-28
Basin School District has placed a two-year supplemental levy proposal on the November 4, 2025 ballot. This measure renews the district’s current levy, which will expire at the end of this school year. While the district has pursued grants, most have been temporary, restricted to specific uses, and many are no longer available.
Levy funds are essential to maintaining school safety, programs, and staff positions not fully covered by state funding.
Why is the Basin School District Running a Levy?
Idaho’s school funding formula dates back to 1994 and has not been fully modernized.
The state funds districts on Average Daily Attendance (ADA), not actual enrollment. Basin SD regularly enrolls more students than are funded, requiring the district to educate additional students without full state support.
About 79% of Basin School District’s revenue comes from the State of Idaho, with the remaining 21% relying on local taxes, federal funds, and other sources. When state support falls short, local levies fill the gap to sustain programs, staff, and services.
Over the past three years, Basin SD has secured $736,398 in competitive state, local, and federal grants. These funds are temporary, restricted to specific purposes, and not guaranteed, so they cannot replace stable levy support.
Federal funding is shrinking: Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funds have declined and expired in 2023. These funds are temporary, uncertain, and cannot replace local levy support.
Federal SRS Funds Have Declined Over the Past Decade
Basin SD SRS Funding FY2015–FY2025
What Will the Levy Cost?
- Proposed Levy: $569,600 per year for two years
- Tax impact: $54.09 per $100,000 assessed value.
Note: Under Idaho Code 33-911, the state provides property tax relief funds to help offset school levies. This year Basin SD received $247,026, which reduced the actual amount levied. Future relief amounts are subject to legislative approval and may vary year to year.
How Does Basin Compare?
Basin’s levy falls squarely within the range of other Idaho districts, and remains far below urban levies.
Here’s how Basin compares to a sample of other Idaho districts:
Basin SD: $54 per $100,000
Buhl SD: $58 per $100,000
Horseshoe Bend SD: $68 per $100,000
Castleford SD: $166 per $100,000
Boise SD: $306.53 per $100,000
What the Levy Supports :
Category | Amount Per Year* | Examples of Use |
|---|---|---|
School Safety and School Resource Officer | $48,000 | School resource officer, alarms, fire safety systems |
Athletics and other Student Body Activities | $180,000 | Coaches, officials, equipment, travel, events |
Curriculum and Professional Development | $25,000 | Books, staff training, classroom supplies, instructional resources |
Facility Maintenance and Improvements | $90,00 | Repairs, grounds, utilities, upkeep |
Technology | $65,000 | Student devices, staff tech, network systems |
Preschool and Kindergarten | $75,000 | Staffing, classroom resources, utilities, curriculum, early learning tools, student support services |
Student and School Support Positions: School Nurse, Special Education and Student Support Staff | $86,600 | Nurse, special education staff, counselors, interventionists, paraprofessionals |
Total | $569,600 |
*Amounts shown apply to levy years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028.
This levy directly supports Basin students, teachers, and programs, while strengthening our community as a whole. Every vote makes a difference—please make your voice heard on November 4, 2025.
Voting Locations & Absentee Information:
Idaho City #50
419 Main Street
Idaho City, Idaho 83631
Mores Creek # 70
Wilderness Ranch Fire Station
46 Wilderness Ranch Road
Boise, Idaho 83716
Placerville # 80
Placerville Fire Station
115 Grimes Pass Road
Placerville, Idaho 83666
Absentee Voting
Boise County
Elections Department
420 Main Street
Idaho City, Idaho 83631
Telephone (208) 392-4431 ext. 21
Facsimile (208) 392-4473
http://www.boisecounty.us/Elections.aspx
To view the official ballot language for Basin School District’s Supplemental Levy, click here: [View Ballot Language PDF]
