With general election ballots now mailed out, taxpayers living in the Kalispell Public Schools high school district are reminded to vote on a $500,000 general fund levy issue.

General fund levies cover costs involved in the day-to-day operation of schools such as salaries, curriculum and textbooks, utilities, technology and maintenance.

If approved, owners of homes valued at $200,000 can anticipate annual taxes to increase by $9.52.

The high school district encompasses Kalispell and surrounding partner school districts whose students go on to attend Flathead and Glacier high schools.

The levy request was made as the high school district faces a deficit of $605,000 as of Monday. This amount fluctuates throughout the school year, primarily due to staffing changes, said Gwyn Andersen, Kalispell Public Schools director of business services and operations. The district also has to meet its upcoming obligations on collective bargaining agreements in the 2021-22 school year.

“We’re right around where we thought we would be financially,” Andersen said. “We’re looking forward to the results of the election and hoping the community will see the need and take care of their students.”

Ballots are due to the Flathead County Election Department, 40th 11th St. W. Suite 230, Kalispell by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at [email protected].