School History
History of Taft Elementary
WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT ELEMENTARY
William Howard Taft Elementary is located on a large parcel of land at the corner of 36th and State St. in Boise, ID. Taft Elementary opened in 1960 to relieve overcrowding at Collister and Lowell Schools. It is an 18-room school with a principal's office, a nurse's office, and a library. The school has a multipurpose room that serves as a cafeteria, gym, and auditorium.
In 1964, the northeast wing was added. Taft, like so many other schools, was short on space when all the special programs came to the District in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Learning disabilities and tutoring classes were set up in the hall. When kindergartens were introduced in 1973 as part of the educational program, relocatable classrooms were moved in to house the kindergarten classes.
Under the leadership of Dr. Susan Williamson in 2003, Taft was recognized by the United States Department of Education as a No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School. Taft was also recognized in 2009 for their Achievement in Academics by the Idaho Department of Education. Dr. Susan Williamson grew the English Language Learners programs. Taft was awarded for its commitment to meeting the linguistic, academic, and cultural needs of Idaho’s limited English proficient students.
In the mid 2000’s, Taft implemented its first-ever "English Language Learners" (ELL) program. The staff and community have embraced their unique multicultural atmosphere. The school hosts students from over 15 different countries speaking 13 different languages, making Taft a truly multicultural mosaic. A Culture Fair is held each spring to celebrate the school’s diversity. Students, families, and staff come together to enjoy ethnic foods, music, and dance.
TAFT SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
- Jim Jennison 1960‑72
- Emogene Warner 1972‑83
- Joan Rusk 1983‑92
- Hylon Plumb 1992-94
- Dr. Ed Ferguson 1994-98
- Dr. Susan Williamson 1998-14
- Amy Pinkerman 2014-16
- Tim Lowe 2016-25
- Amy Collinge 2025