The composition of Idaho continues to grow and change, transforming the state into a unique blend of rural and metropolitan landscapes. Today, Idaho’s communities are enjoying great economic success and the state’s largest settled population. But as this rapid transformation continues, Idaho’s character will be tested as increased demands are placed on governmental services and our school system.

Maintaining the quality and care of the state’s buildings and meeting the demands of a robust and growing school population is a monumental undertaking. Keeping pace with these needs is where the Idaho Lottery provides its greatest resource – its annual dividend. In July 2007, the Idaho Lottery transferred a record $34 million dividend to the people of Idaho. Since starting operations in 1989, the Lottery has transferred $367.5 million in contributions to the State.

The Lottery dividend is divided equally between public schools and buildings. Lottery dollars equaled 37% of the total funding contribution to the State’s Permanent Building Fund in Fiscal Year 2007. Of the 125 building projects completed by the Department of Administrative Services, 72 were on college campuses. At Boise State University, the Library was partially re-roofed and the chiller and cooling tower were replaced. Building 79 in the College of Engineering and the Beckley Building Nursing Labs were renovated at Idaho State University in Pocatello. In addition to classroom modifications at the Menard Law Building, the University of Idaho in Moscow also made life safety elevator modifications across campus. Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston refurbished the Steam Plant distribution system, exit path lighting was installed at North Idaho College’s Shuler Auditorium in Coeur d’Alene, and the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls replaced the fire alarm system in the Shields Building. Through a mix of Lottery funds and other revenue, Idaho’s higher education campuses are transforming into modern, safe facilities for academics and research.

This past year, the Lottery returned $17 million back to public education. In addition, the Department of Education also included a $2.12 million holdover from the previous year in their dividend apportionment. Lottery dividend dollars are granted to 115 school districts in Idaho and 29 Charter Schools based on the number of enrolled students and average daily attendance. For the current school year, $19.12 million found its way to local districts.

The value of these contributions is immeasurable in providing quality, safe learning facilities for Idaho’s young people. In school districts across Idaho, lottery dollars are used to refurbish worn roofs, replace boilers for heating systems, provide safety and security fences around playgrounds, and upgrade electrical wiring systems. The dividend is also used for carpet and paint in classrooms, gymnasium bleacher improvements, fire alarm enhancements, and the purchase of school buses. Lottery dollars have been utilized by growing school districts for land acquisition, placement of portable/temporary classrooms, and facility expansions.

The use of Lottery dollars to improve schools allows districts the opportunity to spend education dollars where it is needed most – in the classroom. Essentially, dividends from the Idaho Lottery are helping transform schools and classrooms into safe, quality, 21st century learning environments.