Kalispell Public Schools: Voters will decide $500,000 high school levy request
HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 9 months AGO
EDUCATION REPORTER Hilary Matheson covers education for the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on schools, students, and the policies that shape public education across Northwest Montana. Matheson regularly reports on school boards, district decisions and issues affecting teachers and families. Her work examines how funding, enrollment and state policy influence local school systems. She helps readers understand how education decisions affect students and communities throughout the region. IMPACT: Hilary’s work provides transparency and insight into the schools that serve thousands of local families. | October 13, 2020 12:00 AM
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].
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