Soda Springs School District Awarded $7.9 Million for Major Facility Improvements

The Soda Springs School District has received a significant boost to its longterm infrastructure plans following the approval of its application to the Public-School Facilities Cooperative Funding Program. On January 7, 2026, the state’s review panel formally approved $7,941,343.00 in funding to address several highpriority facility concerns. This money can only be used for facility improvements.

District officials were notified that the award will support improvements in the following areas:

Soda Springs High School will receive:

Roofing repairs and replacements

Electrical system improvements

HVAC modernization

Parking lot repairs and safety enhancements

Exterior doors replacement

Thirkill Elementary School will receive:

Physical education facility safety addition 

Exterior lighting

Parking lot repairs and safety enhancements

Exterior doors replacement

How the Funding Works

The cooperative funding program provides upfront state financing for major school facility repairs, but districts are responsible for repayment over time. For Soda Springs, repayment will be supported through changes enacted under House Bill 292 and House Bill 338, which reshaped how Idaho funds for school facilities statewide.

H292 created a new statewide School District Facilities Fund and shifted certain property tax levies off local taxpayers. Under this structure, a portion of statedistributed funds can be used to help districts meet facility obligations, including repayment of cooperative funding loans.

H338 further refined the system by establishing a new waterfall of allowable uses for the School District Facilities Fund (Idaho Code 33911). This waterfall prioritizes how state funds must be applied, including:

Payment of any bond passed & issued prior to July 1, 2025 

Repayment of H338 Facilities Cooperative Fund projects

Payment of bonds issued after July 1, 2025

Payment of supplemental school levies

Payment of plant facility levies

New construction, maintenance, renovation, or reserve fund for facilities 

Because of these changes, the district will be able to use its stateallocated Facilities Fund dollars—distributed annually—to help meet repayment requirements for the $7.9 million award. This reduces the burden on local taxpayers while ensuring that essential facility improvements can move forward without delay.

This funding marks a major milestone for the district, which has worked for years to address aging infrastructure and ensure safe, functional learning environments for students and staff. The approval recognizes both the district’s demonstrated need and the persistence of local leaders who have advocated for these improvements.

In the announcement, state officials emphasized the significance of the award, noting the district’s effort and determination in navigating the rigorous application process. The investment is expected to reduce longterm maintenance costs, improve safety, and support the district’s ability to provide quality educational spaces for years to come.

Superintendent and school board leaders are expected to outline next steps in the coming weeks, including project timelines and community updates as planning moves forward.

If you have any questions please call or visit with any Principal, Board Member or call the district office to talk with Mr. Muir at 208-547-3371.

The District thanks you for your support of our students and staff, and we look forward to these improvements to address the needs of our students and facilities.