As Meridian's population swelled in recent years, that’s created some challenges for what is now the largest school district in the state: the West Ada School District. Schools are overflowing with students while the district looks to taxpayer funded bonds and levies for support.
Idaho Matters talks with Idaho Press reporter Ryan Suppe who reported this summer on the need for new collaboration between Meridian City Council and the school district to manage growth.
“[West Ada School District is] looking at 15 schools, I think, that are over capacity and about a dozen that are just about at capacity," Suppe says. "The data shows about 1,400 new students per year over the next decade, so it's not going away any soon.”
This interview is part of our new series called "Growing Pains." Over the next week or so, we'll explore stories and issues surrounding the Treasure Valley's rapid growth and increasing unafforability. Subscribe to our podcast to hear every interview, and download the Boise State Public Radio app to send us a voice message using our Talk To Us feature.
Support for "Growing Pains" comes from Broadcast Society members Jennifer Dickey and Andy Huang. Member support is what makes these interviews possible. Support this coverage here.
