Meridian School District CommentsJOINT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2
- 1303 E. CENTRAL MERIDIAN, IDAHO 83642
DR. LINDA CLARK
SUPERINTENDENT
October 22, 2009
City of Meridian
City Clerk's Office
Attn: Jaycee Holman
33 East Broadway Avenue
Meridian, ID 83642
Dear Planners:
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CITY CLERKS OFFICE
Joint School District No. 2 has experienced phenomenal student growth in the last ten years. Nearly
every high school, middle school, and elementary school throughout the district is operating at or over
capacity. Approval of the Cavanaugh Ridge Subdivision will have a significant impact on school
enrollment at Mary McPherson Elementary School, Lake Hazel Middle School and Mountain View
High School in Joint School District No. 2. Based on U.S. census data, we can predict that these
homes, when completed, will house 202 school aged children.
Joint School District No. 2 supports economic growth. However, growth fosters the need for additional
school capacity. Revenue support from developers of new residential subdivisions is required for the
purchase of the school sites necessary to serve the proposed subdivision. Joint School District No.2
estimates the revenue required for the purchase of future school sites is $830.00 per new home unit.
The approval of Cavanaugh Ridge Subdivision will create the need for $209,160.00 in revenue to
purchase the school sites this subdivision will require. In lieu of these sources of revenue, the district
will accept the donation of land appropriate for school sites. Such sites will need water and sewer
service available, and prior to the commencement of construction, the district will need to pass a bond
issue for the construction of schools.
Residents cannot be assured of attending the neighborhood school as it may be necessary to bus
students to available classrooms across the district. We ask that you require the developer to provide
safe walkways, bike baths and safe pedestrian access for our students.
School capacity is addressed in Idaho code 67-6508. Joint School District No. 2 is currently operating
beyond capacity. Future development will continue to have an impact on the district's capacity.
Sincerely,
Bruce Gestrin Ph.D.
Assistant Superintendent
(208) 855-4500 FAx (208) 350-5962