WSD pays off 'new' school

WALLACE — After almost 20 years, the taxpayers within the Wallace School District will see some relief on the tax rolls now that the district has paid off the construction bond for the “new” Wallace Jr./Sr. High School.

The former building, although iconic in nature, required several upgrades in order to get it to a place where it could continue to be used as a school — which led to the subsequent $3.365 million bond being passed.

Part of the old building was demolished to make room for the parking area for the new building, but the historic old gymnasium and east wing of the school still remain.

The new building was built during the 2002/03 school year and then occupied the next year.

With the payoff of the bond, taxpayers should see a tax savings of approximately $70.87 per $100,000 assessed value to their primary residence.

WSD Superintendent Todd Howard believes that the school itself is a testament to the level of community pride that exists throughout his district — especially for their high school.

“We are very fortunate to have a supportive community that approved the district’s construction bond for the Wallace Junior/Senior High School,” Howard said. “History continues to show many examples of Idaho communities that are not willing to support taxation efforts to construct/remodel school facilities. The leadership of the Wallace School District has and will focus on being good stewards of the taxpayers' dollars. Paying off the bond in a timely fashion is a prime example of our financial focus. For a district of our size to have such a spectacular facility is truly a blessing. The school and district continue to be a primary attractant for new families/students coming to the area.”

The district has held off on several other project upgrades as they’ve worked toward paying off the newest school building in the Silver Valley, but 20 years is still a long time for anything and despite the payoff, WHS already requires an upgrade to their heating system.

Other district projects include a new boiler/burner system at Silver Hills Elementary School in Osburn, as well as a restroom remodel at the K-sixth grade facility.

While no concrete dates for these projects were provided, it is likely that the district will plan on a solution for them in the near future.

Howard also told the News-Press that there is currently a district committee that is working on potential short/long-term planning for the civic auditorium (old gymnasium), which has fallen into severe disrepair on the inside. The News-Press will be reaching out to get an update on any plans that get made for the old gym.