Vallivue School District Buys Land from Trustee's Father for Millions Over Appraised Value

The superintendent signed the deal before getting board approval, allowing the trustee's family to continue farming the land for free.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:57pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a lone tractor sitting in a vast, open field, the vehicle's shadows stretching across the sun-dappled ground, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the ethics behind a school district's questionable land purchase.A school district's controversial land deal raises questions about transparency and conflicts of interest in local government.Boise Today

The Vallivue School District in Idaho purchased 87 acres of farmland from a board member's father for $5 million, even though the property was appraised at just $2.87 million. The superintendent signed the deal before getting board approval, and the trustee's family was allowed to continue farming the land for free until the district decides to build a school there in 8-10 years.

Why it matters

This deal raises questions about whether the school district followed proper procedures and whether the inflated purchase price was justified, especially given the family connection between the seller and a sitting school board member.

The details

Superintendent Lisa Boyd signed a $5 million purchase contract with Dave Christensen in August 2024, even though the property was appraised at $2.87 million. Boyd said she had 'conversations' with Christensen about the price, but the district paid nearly twice the appraised value. The deal also included a lease agreement allowing the Christensen family to continue farming the land for free until the district decides to build a school, which could take 8-10 years.

  • On Feb. 9, 2024, Dave Christensen listed the property for $2.45 million.
  • On April 9, 2024, trustees discussed 'property' in an executive session for 8 minutes. Clay Christensen recused himself.
  • On April 22, 2024, Dave Christensen pulled his listing after 73 days.
  • On Aug. 13, 2024, trustees again discussed 'property' in an executive session for 14 minutes. Clay Christensen recused himself.
  • On Sept. 5, 2024, the property was appraised at $2.87 million.

The players

Lisa Boyd

Superintendent of Vallivue School District who signed the $5 million purchase contract and lease agreement with Dave Christensen.

Dave Christensen

Former Vallivue school board chair who sold his 87-acre farmland to the district for $5 million, nearly double the appraised value.

Clay Christensen

Vallivue school board member and son of Dave Christensen, who recused himself from discussions and votes related to the land purchase.

Jess Payne

Certified appraiser who valued the 87-acre property at $2.87 million.

Vallivue School District

The school district that purchased the land from Dave Christensen for $5 million, despite it being appraised at $2.87 million.

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What they’re saying

“The fact that it was the Christensens just happens to be the Christensens. If it had been somebody else, I would have bought it from them.”

— Lisa Boyd, Superintendent, Vallivue School District

“I had this piece of property and I thought it was in a good location, so I contacted the superintendent and just said, 'Hey, I don't know if you have any in mind, but you might take a look.'”

— Dave Christensen

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.