EDEN • HAZELTON issue 4.5
A Beacon of Light on the First Segregation
MURTAUGH
May 2025
free!
IT’S LEVY TIME
AHOY!
VALLEY SCHOOL SEEKS $300K RENEWAL
HILLSDALE NATIVE TO COMPETE AT DAWSON CC
Supplemental levy to be spent on teachers, travel Patrons of the Valley School District will have an opportunity to weigh in on the district’s finances on May 20. The district is proposing to renew its two-year $300,000per-year supplemental levy. The levy proposes to use $270k for “salaries and benefits for teachers and staff” and $30k for “nonreimbursable student travel expenses.” The polling site in the school’s old gym will be open Tuesday, May 20, from 8-8. Superintendent Ty Jones says the levy is needed to go “above and beyond” what the state reimburses the district. “We need the dollars,” he said. “The state funds less than 29 support units; the levy adds four.” While the district doesn’t tie any specific positions to the levy, Jones did note that “electives are important.” According to the audited financial statements for the year ending June 30, 2024, the Valley district ended with a $116,673 surplus, which was
added to its fund balance, or savings account, bringing the savings account total to $2,146,482. Jones thinks having twothirds of a school year in the savings account is a good thing. “It’s smart that you have those reserves if you can.” Life Without a Levy? While supplemental levies are common in the Magic Valley, the Murtaugh School District manages to thrive without burdening its patrons with such a tax. “A supplemental levy would make my life easy,” said Michele Capps, superintendent of the Murtaugh School District. “But we’re cautious with taxing. We want to meet the needs of the community, but not ask for more than we need.” While the district does have a small plant facilities levy ($170k), a supplemental levy was allowed to expire several years ago. “We’re creative with how ―continued, p. 2
Buccaneers? In Montana? Hillsdale ball player Kennan Huettig recently committed to the baseball program at Dawson Community College in Glendive, Montana. The Canyon Ridge senior’s signing ceremony was April 3. The speedy center fielder and pitcher caught the baseball bug in the Valley Rec District’s t-ball program. After Valley he played at Hansen, Babe Ruth, and for the Hawks American Legion team. “I’ve had some great coaches,” Huettig said. “Brian Hard, Chevy Bailey, Jesse White, Tyler Mildenberg.” He transferred to Canyon Ridge his junior year and was a natural fit in the school’s varsity program. ―continued, p. 2
#7 Kennan Huettig on signing day with proud parents Steven & Jaime Huettig