AMMON, ID – Dan Smith, District 93 superintendent, was fired last week after his $500,000 investment into Idaho Powerball tickets failed to generate revenue for the district’s dwindling public education fund.
Smith initially purchased 100 lottery tickets in hopes of winning $40 million from the Powerball in 2024 – despite resistance from statistics teachers at Bonneville and Hillcrest high schools.
“I told them, ‘look past the numbers and believe the vision,’” Smith told the Idahonian. “I sent everyone a copy of The Alchemist to persuade them dream a little.” After receiving an unchanged lack of support, Smith proceeded with his plan. The first $50,000 of tickets only resulted in $10,000 of revenue, leading Smith to yell “Double or nothing!” during a quarterly budget review with District 93’s Board of Trustees.
“Idaho Lottery donates half of its profit to public education,” said District Treasurer Bill Huffman, “So Dan directed us to purchase two times the tickets to guarantee 100% earnings. His logic seemed infallible.”
However, the board fired Smith once angry mobs called for his literal termination. Smith believes his plan would’ve worked on the next ticket. “I regret that all I have to show the district is an unrealized dream with a generous severance package.”
As compensation for District 93’s devastating financial loss, the new superintendent, Bob Andersen, is offering its teachers and staff free Papa Kelsey’s pizza coupons and a $20 referral bonus to local plasma donation centers.
