From Caldwell School District seeks $5.8 million levy to cover budget shortfall

How could the Caldwell School District's levy request affect city homeowners?

Likely What happens if… A possibility worth considering, not a forecast.

Homeowners in Caldwell may face a lower-than-expected cost for school funding. The Caldwell School District is seeking a $5.8 million supplemental levy to address a critical shortfall in its general fund budget, a need identified by new CEO Scot Montoya. While the proposed levy is estimated to cost homeowners $99.70 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value per year, the district expects the Idaho School District Facilities Fund to offset costs. With this state fund providing direct property tax relief, taxpayers in Caldwell are projected to pay an estimated $17.96 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value per year for the two-year levy.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written Sunday

Effect: Mixed
How direct: Stated in the reporting
When: Within weeks
The story: Gone quiet

How it reaches Caldwell

Reported by news outlets

After being named the new chief executive officer, Scot Montoya focused on evaluating the district’s overall needs and analyzing the current budget alongside state funding allocations, which revealed a shortfall in the general fund budget. To cover the $5.8 million funding gap—resulting from general fund expenditures of nearly $46 million versus $40 million from the state—the Caldwell School District is asking voters to pass a two-year supplemental levy. Although the proposed levy is estimated to cost homeowners $99.70 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value per year, the district anticipates that the Idaho School District Facilities Fund will offset costs, reducing the actual expected payment to about $17.96 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value per year.

1 report connects these two. Brind only summarizes; follow a link to read the reporting itself.
- idahopress.com Oct 12

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The facts so far

As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.

General fund expenditures total nearly $46 million while the district receives only $40 million from the state, resulting in the $5.8 million funding gap.idahopress.com
The proposed supplemental levy is estimated to cost homeowners $99.70 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value per year.idahopress.com
With the state facilities fund offset, taxpayers will instead pay an estimated $17.96 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value per year based on current conditions.idahopress.com
The district had to make major transitions in 2024-25, including requiring a pay-to-play fee for student athletes and closing Lincoln Elementary.idahopress.com

Why it matters

The financial stability of the Caldwell School District is critical, as the district previously faced immediate negative effects during the 2024-25 school year due to funding shortfalls. These effects included cutting staff, school resource officers, and school safety aides, as well as closing Lincoln Elementary.

The proposed levy is framed by the district as essential for retaining teaching staff and preventing further cutbacks, while also allowing for expanded programs like a cosmetology track and increased school safety and security funding.

What we don't know yet

Will the $5.8 million supplemental levy pass with a simple majority on Election Day?
How will the allocated funds for behavioral and mental health support be distributed across the district?

What would change this answer

The supplemental levy is approved by votersThe district will receive just over $4.7 million in its annual fund from the state, stabilizing the budget and allowing for planned expansions.

The levy fails to passThe district will continue to rely on its current supplemental levy, which expires June 30, 2027, potentially forcing further budget cuts.

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Reporting

idahopress.comOct 12

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The full eventCaldwell School District seeks $5.8 million levy to cover budget shortfall Everything aboutCaldwell

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