MDSD MARCH BOARD BRIEF
MDSD
March 18, 2024
1. MDSD Community Survey Results
A huge thank you to all who completed the survey to help guide us in our decision-making process. A representative from Clearwater Financial presented the results, which showed strong support for a supplemental levy, as well as a staff housing bond. We are excited to move forward!
Supplemental Levy – To cover funding gaps for future
Very Supportive & Supportive = 69%
Unsupportive & Very Unsupportive = 16%
Supplemental Levy – To maintain current positions and programs
Very Supportive & Supportive = 71%
Unsupportive & Very Unsupportive = 15%
Staff Housing
Very Supportive & Supportive = 60%
Unsupportive & Very Unsupportive = 19%
2. Bond & Supplemental Levy Approval
We want to express our gratitude to everyone who participated in the marathon 4-hour board session. Your dedication to our school district is truly appreciated.
During this session, there was passionate discussion among board members, and we want to assure you that we took every aspect of the deliberations seriously. We carefully considered the voices of our community members and reviewed the survey results provided.
After thorough consideration and listening to the insights shared, we are pleased to announce that we will move forward with a supplemental levy, as well as a bond initiative for a much-needed staff housing project. These measures are essential steps in addressing the funding shortage and housing crisis faced by our district.
To ensure transparency and community engagement, we will organize a forum to educate everyone about the proposed initiatives. Your input and involvement are crucial as we navigate through these significant decisions.
We are grateful for the guidance provided by our bond counsel, Hawley Troxell, and our bond fiduciary, Zions Public Finance. Their expertise has been invaluable in shaping our path forward.
Furthermore, we are pleased to announce our partnership with Portman Square Group to assist us with communication efforts regarding the MDSD bond and levy. Effective communication is key to ensuring that everyone in our community is well-informed and engaged in this process.
Together, we are committed to creating a brighter future for our students and our community. We look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders as we embark on this important journey together.
3. Naloxone Distribution Program
We would like to announce that the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) has reinstated the Naloxone distribution program. This means that organizations throughout Idaho can now access free Naloxone, along with comprehensive training. It's a great layer of safety for schools across Idaho. Naloxone allows for swift and effective responses to opioid overdoses. While such incidents are thankfully rare on school premises, ensuring preparedness for medical emergencies including overdoses, is paramount.