During the summer, the Idaho Lottery returned $72.5 million to the State of Idaho for the benefit of Idaho public schools and the state’s permanent buildings. It was the largest dividend in the Lottery’s history. Since 1989, the Idaho Lottery has now returned over $1.034 billion to benefit education in the Gem State.
To commemorate this monumental achievement, the Idaho Lottery embarked on a “Thanks a Billion” recognition tour that began in eastern Idaho in late August. Just in time for back-to-school, Lottery employees made some Classroom Wishlist proposals come true for schools across the eastern portion of Idaho.
School supplies are like gold to teachers. Classroom Wishlist granted Amy Bidwell at Indian Hills Elementary School in Pocatello with much needed supplies for her classroom that would keep her students engaged and safe upon returning to in-person learning.
Classroom Wishlist also awarded Kimberly Wilcox, a 3rd grade teacher at Rimrock Elementary School in Ammon with $1,948 worth of creative art and school supplies, plus flexible seating that would have otherwise had to come from her own pocket.
“This is a dream come true,” said Kimberly when the Lottery surprised her a few days before school started.
In McCammon, Classroom Wishlist provided $3,338 to replace desks and chairs that were nearing 40 years old at Mountain View Elementary in Patsy Jackson’s classroom. Principal Logan Kent personally assembled the desks so they would be ready for students on the first day of school.
“Schools always have needs. Classroom Wishlist and the generosity of the Idaho Lottery’s players and VIP Club members to provide these resources is another way the Idaho Lottery fulfills its mission every day,” said David Workman, Idaho Lottery Public Information Specialist during the presentation.
The final stop on the tour was in the town of Grace, population 915. A few years ago, the community passed a $5 million bond to construct a new school to replace the original school built early in the 20th Century. The stunning new facility, Black Canyon Elementary, opened to students this fall. The paint was barely dry and some of the finishing touches still in progress when the Lottery visited.
Joined by Representative Marc Gibbs, and Lottery Commission Chairman Craig Corbett, the Idaho Lottery presented Grace Joint School District Superintendent Jason Moss with a check for $79,357 – an amount that represents the Lottery’s contribution to the interest payment from the Bond Levy Equalization program at the Department of Education. This is money the taxpayers of Grace will not have to pay.
Programs like Classroom Wishlist, or helping to reduce the obligation of taxpayers owe on their education bonds, is how the Idaho Lottery benefits education at the local level, and how the Lottery says, “Thanks a billion, Idaho!”
