KELLOGG – The Kellogg School District is asking voters to reconsider its $7 million replacement supplemental levy in the May election, after the measure failed last November. 

Last week, the Kellogg School Board voted to place the levy back on the ballot. The proposal accounts for about 30% of the district’s annual budget, funding the staffing, classes and programs needed to maintain current operations. 

“Like nearly 80% of districts in Idaho, what was once supplemental levy funding has become essential to operating our schools,” Board Chairperson Alexa Griffin said. “The budget we have operated on for years has not been excessive, and if the levy does not pass, the loss will be felt by our staff, students and community alike.” 

Levy Details and Tax Impact

The two-year levy totals $7,048,700, or $3,524,350 per year, reflecting an annual increase of $565,950. If approved, the increase would add $23.21 per $100,000 of assessed property value, bringing the total to $238.58 per $100,000. 

District officials are also encouraging voters to consider recent legislative changes aimed at reducing local levy burdens. In 2024, House Bill 292 established the Idaho School District Facilities Fund (ISDFF), which allows districts to use state funds to pay down bonds, reduce levies or support facilities maintenance. 

Since fiscal year 2024, Kellogg has received $1.95 million from the ISDFF. Of that, $1.15 million went toward the bond for Kellogg Middle School (Sunnyside), and the remaining funds provided levy relief. 

According to KSD Clerk Megan Bumgardner, the district expects to receive approximately $650,000 in ISDFF funds this year. That amount would be applied to the proposed levy, reducing taxpayer costs. However, because ISDFF amounts change annually, districts are prohibited from including HB 292 information in the ballot language. 

Why the Levy Increased

During early 2025 budget discussions, trustees hoped to maintain the existing levy amount. That changed when districts statewide were warned to prepare for potential funding holdbacks of up to 6%, prompting Kellogg to raise its levy request by the same percentage. Those cuts did not occur for the 2025–26 school year, but state leaders cautioned that future holdbacks were still possible. 

In late January, administrators were then informed that the state planned 2% cuts to education funding for the 2026–27 school year, adding further pressure on district finances. 

What’s at Stake

If the replacement levy passes, the district expects to avoid significant reductions to staff and student services. If it fails again, officials say they will begin planning for a budget that eliminates 50 to 70 positions, including 12 certified teachers. 

Board members said that during the previous election, some voters misunderstood the proposal and did not realize the levy was a replacement of one that has been in place for nearly two decades. 

Programs facing potential cuts include extracurricular activities and sports, technology, full-day kindergarten, transportation, custodial services, instructional materials and classroom supplies, and support staff such as paraprofessionals, the district nurse and bus aides. Additional programs at risk include elementary physical education and music, the high school JROTC program, and various advanced and elective courses. 

“I believe our patrons truly want the best for our valley, and one way to show that is by supporting our children’s education,” Griffin said.