School District Fires Consultant Blamed for Bond Shortfall

BURLEY, Idaho (AP) — A south-central Idaho school district has fired the consultant they blame for underestimating the costs to build new schools, saying he hasn't had a valid architect's license since 2012.

Cassia County School District officials announced a $15 million shortfall last week on projects that include new school construction and improvements across the district after they found a $37 million construction bond approved by voters wouldn't cover the cost. The Times-News reports that Hal Jensen, of Pocatello, was fired last week after the district learned about his lapsed license.

Jensen has apologized for the shortfall, and on Tuesday admitted he was unlicensed when he provided the budget for the new schools. The district paid Jensen $10,000 to develop construction budgets for the bond levy passed in March.