Dayton School asks voters to approve levy

Ballots are due by 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, from Dayton-area voters, regarding a one-year mill levy to support the Dayton School.

Voters in the Upper West Shore School District received mail-in ballots for a one-year general fund levy that would cover teacher compensation and general operating expenses. According to Lake County Election Administrator Toni Kramer, 764 ballots were mailed.

The rural school currently has 49 students, a decrease from 80 a few years ago. The levy would raise $61,125 to cover a budget shortfall.

According to Lake County School Superintendent Carolyn Hall, the revenue drop is largely due to declining enrollment at the rural K-6 school. Since state funding is tied to enrollment, the district lost $33,000 this year and revenue is projected to decrease another $44,000 next year.

At the same time, expenses have gone up as the district has added a principal, a librarian/counselor, and two additional classroom teachers, going from two to four. A special education teacher was also hired for a handful of students “who require one-to-one care.”

At the same time, she says the state is trying to boost salaries, especially for beginning teachers.

“We’re grateful we’ve been able to staff the school well with true professionals,” Hall said.

She adds that the school is basically debt free, having paid off a bond issue that funded an addition to the school in 2007.

“I feel like this is not really very much and it’s just for one year,” she said. The estimated tax increase on a home valued at $200,000 is just under $20.

Hall added that language on the ballot, which is dictated by the State of Montana, has caused some voter confusion. Although the ballot describes the duration of the levy as “permanent once approved by the voters,” Hall says it’s only “permanent” for one year, and can’t be renewed without voter approval.

Asked what might change the school’s funding predicament, she said school officials hope enrollment numbers will begin to go up again.

“The hope is that we’ll begin to see students coming in to the district who will even out that drop,” she said. The district added 10 students this year, but also lost a few, for an overall gain of seven kids.

Ballots must be returned to the Lake County Elections Office by 8 p.m. Tuesday, and should be mailed no later than Friday, June 9, or delivered in person to the office in the basement of the county courthouse.