EMMETT, Idaho — On Monday, several community members in Emmett made a final push to gain support for a $68 million bond to help construct a new high school and gymnasium.
Amanda Weers, chairwoman for the Vote 4 Emmett Schools Political Action Committee helped organize a block party rally on Washington Street between 12th and Main Street in support of the bond.
“It would improve everything in the community and that we are showing that we are a community that really values our children and our education system,” Weers said.
If passed, the new high school would be built on the intersection of 4th Avenue and Sub-Station Road and be able to accommodate about 1,200 students and a gymnasium would be added to Butte View Elementary School. The plan includes renovating the current high school for the middle school.
Rich Hargitt, Head Football Coach and Director of Strength and Conditioning at Emmett High School supports the bond and said it’s much needed in the community.
“Education, the way we look at it, it’s a natural resource. Kids are a natural resource they’re the most important natural resource a community a county has. Because by putting your money into kids, money into schools you’re going to get a return on your investment,” Hargitt said.
Emmett School District is asking voters to approve the bond during Tuesday’s election and it needs a supermajority vote to pass. According to a release from the district, the last time a bond passed was in 1998 for two new elementary schools. The following information was released by the school district:
- In 1988, The Emmett High School Domes opened after a long, difficult and controversial process to provide students with a High School after Parkview Junior High was condemned. Before the Domes opened up, the district double-shifted classes to accommodate both junior and senior high school students.
- In 1998, the bond to build Carberry and Shadow Butte Elementary schools was approved. With proper maintenance, those schools are 21 years old and will continue to meet the needs of students for years to come. They also can be expanded if need be.
- Bond measures in 2005, 2008 and 2018 failed.
- Now, three years later, the Board of Trustees, after input from community members, is offering an option that provides a new high school, necessary maintenance and safety measures for students and staff and room to grow.
- The District does not have a bond in place at this time.
