Voters will be asked to OK school tax levy

Residents on Tuesday, March 24, will be asked to continue supporting Boundary County School District through property taxes.

For two years, property taxes have generated $885,000. School officials are asking for continued support, but have reduced the amount to $865,000, said Superintendent Dr. Don Bartling. If a majority of the voters approve the request, property taxes would be reduced a little.

By approving what’s known as a maintenance and operation levy, the school district will use the money for student extra-curricular activities, personnel, text books, supplies, materials and testing.

School officials have already decided to eliminate three teaching jobs for next year.

“We announced we would like to do it through attrition, if anybody is going to retire,” Bartling said.

If the levy does not go through, the district’s budget would need to be cut by $865,000. Things that could be cut could include $318,000 for extra-curricular student activities and $283,000 for personnel. Text books and technology also could be cut.

All residents can vote. Voting will take place 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on March 24 at Bonners Ferry High School, Boundary County Middle School and Naples, Evergreen, Valley View and Mt. Hall elementary schools.

Presentations will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at Mt. Hall Elementary School, 3:15 and 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, at Evergreen and Naples elementary schools, respectively, and 6 p.m. Monday, March 9, in Becker Auditorium at Bonners Ferry High School.