Trustees explain levy requests

Editor,

A high-quality education, a good job, a healthy and productive life . . . we want these and more for the children in our Polson schools. As Trustees, it is our obligation to determine a level of funding that helps all students achieve these outcomes.

Because state funding does not cover all school district costs, in the upcoming May 2 levy election we are asking you, the voters in our school district, to approve funding that supports quality schools and educational programs for our students.

We believe the amounts we are requesting in the May 2 election are set at a very reasonable level. The elementary request for a $58,868 levy would cost a taxpayer with a $100,000 assessed valuation approximately an additional $4.87 pher year. The high school district request for $64,207 would cost the same taxpayer approximately $4.38.

These amounts, while not sufficient to cover all costs, will help the district meet some increased costs of fuel, utilities, supplies, equipment, personnel and maintenance during the coming school year. If the levies fail, the District and the community will face the challenge of making cuts to programs, activities and possibly to staff.

As Trustees of your schools and your children's education, we remain dedicated to providing high-quality staff and programs while remaining sensitive to a reasonable level of taxation. We sincerely thank you for the years of support you have given the children in our schools, and we ask you for your continued support by voting in favor of the levies on May 2.

Polson School District #23, Board of Trustees:

Theresa Taylor, ChAeair

Elke Allik, Vice Chair

Vernon Finley

Bob Hanson

Joe Hovenkotter

John Laimbeer

Kim Maloney

Mark Russell