Bigfork School Board takes a first look at next year’s proposed budget

The Bigfork School Board took a look at a preliminary budget for next school year and prepared for their May election.

The proposed budget for the elementary school for the 2023-2024 year is $7.1 million and the proposed budget for the high school is $6.2 million. This is compared to the 2022-2023 budget, which allocated $7.4 million and $5.9 million, respectively.

In the elementary school budget, a 2.7% increase in state and local funding provided an additional $74,000 to the general fund compared to last year. The retirement fund will receive $33,554 less and the flex fund will receive around $22,000 less. The technology fund will see an increase of $94,000 as part of a ten year technology levy.

For the high school, the proposed budget shows an increase of $22,000 for the retirement fund and $20,000 for the bus depreciation fund, which comes from local funding. As part of the ten year technology levy, the high school would receive $66,000 more in their technology fund compared to last year.

Three board trustees are up for reelection in May, including Board Chair Paul Sandry, Trustee Julie Kreiman and Salmon Prairie/Swan Lake Elementary District representative Carol Field. Field’s position on the board also represents the high school. School district elections will be May 2.

The board will take up finalizing the budget in August. The proposed budget can be seen on the school’s website in the March 7 board meeting documents. The next board meeting is scheduled for April 12 at 5 p.m. in the high school library.

Bigfork Playhouse Children's Theater presents "Shrek Jr. the Musical"

The Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theater invites you to watch Shrek Jr. the Musical – based on the popular DreamWorks movie on March 17, 18, 19, 24 and 25.

Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek. One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he's handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn't be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.

Performances will be at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts on Friday and Saturday March 17, 18, 24 and 25, at 7:30 p.m. with a Sunday Matinee on March 19 at 2 p.m.

Regular ticket prices are $14 for Adults, $12 for Seniors, $11 for Students and $10 for children under 10 and can be purchased online or at the Box Office one hour prior to performances

This production is fun for the entire family. For more information, call 837-4886 or email bpct@bigforksummerplayhouse.com or check our website at www.bigforksummerplayhouse.com.

Bigfork Job Fair returns

The second Bigfork Job Fair is taking place at the high school next week.

Bigfork has long experienced seasonal staffing shortages and this year looks to be more of the same.

At the request of members, the Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce organized a job fair with Bigfork High School to allow businesses to connect with students and residents in the Bigfork area and fill those seasonal and year round positions.

Not hiring right now? Set up your business booth to attract future applicants and allow the students to explore what a career in your industry might look like.

This event is free to chamber members and non-members are asked to make a $20 contribution towards a Bigfork High School Scholarship the day of the event.

The Bigfork Job Fair is on March 22 and runs from 1 to 5 p.m.