Finance & Purchasing

Finance

The focus of the Cassia Jt. School District is to provide the best possible educational experiences for students and staff by maximizing available resources. The Business office operates under the priorities and budget set forth by the school board and makes key financial decisions using four main philosophical principles:

  • Operate year-to-year with a balanced budget

  • Match reoccurring expenditures with reoccurring revenue

  • Hold adequate reserves to meet unanticipated emergencies

  • Prepare a budget with core assumptions built on current economic and historical trends of local growth and programming need.

In an effort to maintain financial transparency; on this site you will find the Annual Budget Report, Annual Financial Report, Monthly Expenditures, and Supporting Documents. This information is updated regularly. Additional information may be obtained by submitting a written public records request to the district office.

Contacts

Chris James
Director of Fiscal Affairs
208-878-6600 Ext 109

Gail Gallegos
Fiscal Affairs Assistant Safety Coordinator
208-878-6600 Ext 112

Sheri Smith
Accounts Payable
208-878-6600 Ext 103

Dez Leckenby
Payroll
208-878-6600 Ext 104

Donations & Grants

Making Donations to Schools

We reside in a generous community that provides tremendous support for our schools. Frequently, individuals and businesses inquire about tax incentives when donating to schools. Generally, all donations to Idaho Public Schools are tax deductible at both state and federal levels. However, it is advisable for individuals to seek guidance from their tax advisor or CPA. Idaho may even provide additional incentives on state tax returns for donating directly to Idaho Public Schools.

Cassia County Jt. School District #151 is a not-for-profit local government entity. It is a political subdivision of the State of Idaho and a part of the state public education system. Federal tax law confirms that instrumentalities of a political subdivision are exempt under section 115 of the code and are not required to file Federal Income tax return Form 1120 nor Form 990. Contributions to such organizations are deductible by donors as provided in section 170 of the code. Bequest, legacies, devises, transfers or gifts to or for school use are deductible for Federal estate and gift tax purposes under the provisions of sections 2055, 2106, and 2522 of the code.

Many grant applications ask about 501c3 status of the Cassia Schools. It is important to note that the school itself does not hold a 501c3 designation. This is a specific IRS designation that applies to approved Non-Profit organizations. Public schools are Not-For-Profit Local Government entities this is something different than a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization. As a Government entity public schools are not eligible for 501c3 status and they are governed under a separate IRS Code 170c1. All of the tax benefits obtained from donating to a 501c3 still apply for Cassia Schools as well as some additional benefits for individuals and corporations who file Idaho State Tax. Nevertheless, seeking advice from a tax advisor or CPA is advisable.

As many non-local businesses limit donations to approved 501c3 organizations, the Cassia Education Foundation, a registered 501c3 entity, has been established. The foundation operates separate from the school district. It has a board of directors made up of local community members and the finances of the foundation are completely separate from the School District. To leverage the foundation's information in soliciting donations or applying for grants, you must contact the foundation. Former Superintendent Gaylen Smyer serves on the foundation board and is the main point of contact for the foundation. His email is gaylensmyer7@gmail.com.

For more information on the foundation visit this section of our website: LINK TO PAGE

FUNDRAISING

All fundraisers in the school must be approved by the School Principal through the Success Fund Platform. For more information on fundraising review district policy 1028: Money Raising Activities in Schools.

District's Online Fundraising Platform: SuccessFund