Idaho Legislature Takes Up Bill to Help School Districts Repair and Replace Buildings

Idaho leaders introduce a bill that would provide $1.5 billion in new funding for school facilities.

The bill would create the School Modernization Facilities Fund , which districts could use for construction and maintenance needs.

It would also provide money through an existing fund to help school districts pay off their bonds and levies, which are used to finance school facilities and district operating costs.

The bill would redirect about $50 million from the state lottery and an estimated $25 million more per year into a reserve created last year .

The state would phase out a different program that provides some state support for districts that have passed bonds.

The bill will now need a public hearing before it heads to the House floor.