Board mulls $1.2M high school levy

Taxpayers may see a $1.2 million general-fund levy request on the May 2019 ballot for Kalispell Public Schools’ high school district.

This decision follows a unanimous vote by the Kalispell Public Schools board of trustees, directing administration to set the wheels in motion on making a levy request. However, the board has until April, when ballots are certified, to make any changes.

A general-fund levy primarily supports the day-to-day operations of educating students, from textbooks to salaries. Kalispell Superintendent Mark Flatau described the difference between a general-fund levy and a bond issue succinctly: “Levies are for learning. Bonds are for building.”

If the school board moves forward with the levy request and it is approved by voters, owners of homes valued at $200,000 could expect an annual tax increase of $25.71.

Prior to voting, the board debated on what amount to request. A finance committee’s recommendation was a minimum of $1 million. Flatau advised trustees that from an administrative standpoint, $1 million would adequately cover top priorities in technology and curriculum expenses.

“We can easily make a case for about a $300,00 to $400,000 a year commitment for technology within the high school levy. We also have a curriculum budget that is sorely underfunded that could be increased at the high school level by $200,000 per year...” Flatau said.

He said $1.2 million would get the district further down the road before another levy is needed.

The district knew a levy was on the horizon following $1.5 million in district-wide cuts that went into effect over 2017 and 2018 to cover a budget shortfall. Budget cuts in the high school district alone amounted to $866,291. The school board also opted to use one-time money rather than put a high school district levy request on the ballot in last election. Instead, the district focused on the elementary district as Rankin Elementary was set to open. A $1 million elementary general-fund levy was put on the ballot and passed.

More cuts may be necessary if a high school levy doesn’t pass.

A high school district levy issue hasn’t passed since 2007. Voters have rejected high school levy requests in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2014.

Since 2007, Flathead and Glacier high schools have gained 333 students. Total enrollment is 2,883 students.

In addition to enrollment, curriculum and technology needs increasing, so has inflation, which Flatau said “has taken a cut out of our spending power.”

The high school district encompasses taxpayers living in Kalispell and in partner K-8 school districts whose students go on to attend Flathead and Glacier.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.