February 17, 2010
County, School Board consider value of good education.
The first joint meeting between School District No. 401 and Teton County Commissioners was a forum to consider tax levies, but it was also a chance to confirm that the image of public schools is an essential element for any growing community.While discussion of facilities, real estate and tax dollars charged the meeting initially, Teton County Commissioner Kathy Rinaldi planted a seed with the School Board, suggesting that strong public schools will be one of the most crucial elements with regard to future prosperity for the area.
“I ran on a platform of community planning,” Rinaldi said, “And I think our economic viability will be dictated by how good our schools are. We’ve all got skin in this game. We have to all get involved.”
Rinaldi acknowledged that property owners in Teton Valley who have children in public schools are obvious beneficiaries of a better district, but she went on to say that retirees and second homers will also benefit from stronger schools, the key to what Rinaldi believes could draw more residents. In a growing demographic of entrepreneurs who can choose to live anywhere, Rinaldi suggested that the quality of life in Teton County needs to be matched by the quality of education.
“I think we’re doing pretty good,” Rinaldi said. “The fabric of this community is amazing, but manufacturing didn’t really work here, and we’re in and out of the idea that tourism will support this community. Where do we move forward? I think it’s with our schools. It’s the first thing people look at when they’ve got kids and they’re thinking of moving here. That’s my peer group. They are weighing the schools.”
In a recent poll commissioned by Teton County with regard to future support of tax levies, Rinaldi suggested that a positive response was received across the board for schools. This data is supported by the past two supplemental levies passed in May 2007 for $2 million and May 2009 for $2.6 million. Both of the latter levies were passed with significant support. And as School District No. 401 prepares to ask for a third supplemental levy in May 2011, Teton County Commissioner Bob Benedict encouraged the School Board to ask for what it needs in order to be successful.
“We can’t underestimate our needs,” Benedict said. “And we can’t count on the state to help us out.”
In reaction to state budget cuts in the area of education, Benedict joined his fellow commissioners in encouraging Superintendent Monte Woolstenhulme to increase the supplemental levy amount in 2011.
“The need will be there,” Woolstenhulme said. “I’m sure the need will be there.” “Given the atmosphere in the legislature, I think we should be prepared to raise it,” School Board member Nancy Arnold said of the next supplemental levy. “We’ve been bare bones. If we’d had a fat cow, it (state cuts to education) might not hurt as much.”
School District facilities
A super majority (requiring a minimum of 66.6 percent voter approval) put a $12 million bond to work for the School District in May 2006. That bond built the new Middle School, following the $7 million bond passed in May 1996 that built Teton High School. By May 2012, Woolstenhulme said it could be necessary to construct a new Victor Elementary School, requiring a bond anywhere from $6 million to $8 million.
As the School Board and Teton County Commissioners considered future needs of the District, the fate of the current administrative offices was discussed. In a best-case scenario, Woolstenhulme said the District offices would be moved across the street to the old high school seminary building located just north of the District’s tennis courts. Such a move, according to Woolstenhulme, would consolidate space and cut down on utilities for the District, leaving their old facility available for lease or purchase.
A 6,000 square foot building located on just a little less than one acre, the current School District offices have been eyed by Teton County for the Sheriff’s headquarters, which would include dispatch. Currently located in the old county courthouse, now referred to as the Justice Center, the Sheriff and all his associated offices are secure for the next few years, enjoying a $1 per year lease from Jon Huntsman, who now owns the building.
With Teton County Road and Bridge located directly behind the School District building, Teton County Commissioner Larry Young asked for first right of refusal for the building that is estimated to be valued between $600,000 and $800,000. The joint meeting between the School District and Teton County on Monday night did not resolve any issues for either government entity, but it did provide an opportunity for everyone to get on the same page.
“What I see working in our favor is a progressive School Board and Superintendent,” Rinaldi said. “I don’t think parents would be worried about class size if the performance of the students is up to par. The system isn’t set up for us to be proactive on schools, but this is where it starts, establishing dialogue.”
