New elementary under construction in Malad City, Idaho
The Oneida (Idaho) district has begun construction of a new elementary school in Malad City.
The Idaho Enterprise reports the construction plan for the new Malad Elementary calls for its completion by the time the class of 2024-25 is ready to begin classes. In the meantime, students will attend the 2023-24 school year in the existing school, next door to the construction site.
Although this promises to create some headaches for teachers, students, and parents, Superintendent Jon Abrams said he believed that the tradeoff was well worth it.
The bond that provided funds for the construction to move forward passed with a sizable majority--roughly 86% of cast votes in favor.
One major change to the bond landscape this time around was the State Equalization Bond legislation, which created a matching source of funding that accounted for around a third of the total costs.
Site inspections had determined that a number of health and safety issues associated with the existing school would have to be addressed if the facility was to remain in use. Problems such as inefficient heating and cooling, and outdated wiring and network support contributed to a strong case for a new facility.
The lack of modern security infrastructure had also become noticeable over the last decade, as the number of school-based violent events has continued to escalate.
Construction on the building was scheduled to begin earlier in the spring, but the late snow and continued rain made that impossible.
