CALDWELL, Idaho — Caldwell School District will display "In God We Trust" signs in all nine schools following a donation and board approval in October, though some community members have raised concerns about the decision.
The Caldwell School District Board of Trustees approved the donation of "In God We Trust" signs on Oct. 13, after the item appeared on board agendas in both September and October. Jo Dee Arnold of In God We Trust Signs donated the displays for each school in the district.
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The decision follows Idaho House Bill 202, passed in 2023, which requires educational institutions to display the national motto under specific circumstances when donated signs meet state requirements.
"At our regular board meeting in October, the board approved the In God We Trust signs," said Jessica Watts, spokeswoman for Caldwell School District. "They were donated by a community member, and it was kind of guided by Idaho state code that establishes a school district policy to display the nation's motto of In God We Trust."
Idaho Code 33-141 requires educational institutions to display durable posters or framed copies of "In God We Trust" when certain conditions are met, including that the signs must include a representation of the U.S. or Idaho flag, use only black, white, gold, or silver colors, and be donated to the institution.
The signs measure 24 inches by 24 inches and will be displayed in conspicuous locations throughout all nine district schools. Each school will determine the specific placement based on its building design and high-traffic areas.
"The location might vary. The schools will kind of pick those locations to just make sure that they're displayed in the appropriate manner that matches state code," Watts said.
The donation process included discussions between the donor and the board of trustees. The item appeared on two public board meeting agendas, allowing community input, though Watts said no public comments were received regarding the signs.
Some community members have expressed concerns about the signs, particularly in contrast to recent controversies over other school signage.
"We just got done speaking about the 'Everyone Is Welcome' sign and that being such a huge controversy for whatever reason, but we're OK with In God We Trust," said Davin Pena, a community member.
Pena, born and raised in Idaho, emphasized he has no issue with Christianity or any religion whatsoever, but the decision hits close to home as he has a child in a Caldwell public school.
"I'd much rather have a sign in schools that say everyone is welcome, because that encourages and acknowledges everyone from all walks of life, and all religious beliefs altogether," Pena said.
"With a child in Caldwell Public Schools, it is important to me, significantly, a great value that she make up her own mind. She choose the path that she wishes to choose without anything influencing that, especially in public areas," Pena said.
District officials stressed that the signs represent the national motto rather than promoting any specific religion.
"We understand that community members might have questions or concerns about these signs and have different perspectives, and we totally respect that and appreciate that," Watts said. "As a public school district, we are held to follow state statute, and these signs follow that."
"This is the nation's motto of In God We Trust, and these signs were donated and we're following state statute," Watts said. "We want to make sure we provide an inclusive learning environment for everybody."
No taxpayer money was used for the signs, and the district's maintenance team will handle installation. Any future donations will go through the same review process to ensure compliance with state statute, district policies, and educational appropriateness.
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