About Koelsch Elementary

Koelsch Elementary is named after Judge Koelsch. Judge Koelsch was born in Wisconsin. He came to Idaho in 1895 and worked as a student clerk in Senator William Borah's law office. He taught school for a term in South Boise, and was admitted to the bar in 1898. He served as probate judge of Ada County. As a prosecuting attorney, he participated in the famous Moyer-Haywood-Pettibone trials.

Judge Koelsch was elected to serve as a representative to the Idaho legislature from Ada County in 1912. After practicing law in private for several years, he was appointed by Governor H. C. Baldridge to serve as district judge.

Construction on Koelsch Elementary School began in March of 1956 with students and faculty housed in Cole and Franklin Schools until the new school was ready. It took about nine months for most of the construction.

In December of 1956, students moved into the new building, even though some construction was still underway. A dedication of the building was held in February of 1957, honoring Judge Charles Koelsch, for whom the building was named.

Koelsch school was full the first year of operation. In 1957 four classrooms were added. This was enough space for about ten years. In 1969, four more classrooms were added. A major reroofing and remodeling project was undertaken using levy monies in 1994-95.