MAKE DUST COLSTRIP! GET OUT AND VOTE!

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

I want to remind as many people as possible to get out and vote this coming Tuesday, May 3, 2016. Polls are open from noon to 8:00 PM.  The School District Board voted to present two general fund levies at this year's election to help pay for operational costs to the Elementary District and the High School District.

Traditionally the district has optioned to levy the maximum amount allowed by the State Funding Formula in order to maximize its budget authority within the General Fund. Even more important is the fact that this community has traditionally supported these levies without fail. Our community here in Colstrip has not only made an annual commitment to the needs our youth, but has also made education a priority by passing these annual levies.

With these two items on the ballot, I want to take the opportunity to outline what "operational costs" represent in this district. Operational costs include everything outside our payroll from toilet paper to water. This may sound over simplified, but the operational costs of this district are huge. For example our district's water bill from last year was $101,033.73. The water bill this year for the district, to date, is $115,464.98 and we still have several months before the fiscal calendar ends.  In addition to the on going and rising cost of utilities the district is also working to reduce a large deferred maintenance list.

Deferred maintenance are items that need repair or replacement in the district. Some of the largest and most expensive projects are being addressed through the building reserve levies passed last year; however, small items on the list add up. For example, large items like the roof repair and replacement of Pine Butte Elementary and the implementation of student safety and security items like access control, intrusion detection and video surveillance in all buildings are being addressed through the reserve levy. Smaller issues like the sign outside the high school, as well as other projects are budgeted as operational costs.

The bottom line is that the district is presenting these levies to the public so that it can continue to provide Colstrip the high expectations and excellence it has always known. The District is also aligning its practices with its Core Purpose.  In addition, the district wants to improve and maintain what we already have from the pool, fields and courts to the classrooms. No doubt, Colstrip has always been supportive of its schools and provided the best education possible. WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN OUT IN FRONT when it comes to educational support, SO LET'S STAY THERE! Get out and VOTE! MAKE DUST!

If you have any questions concerning the items on the election notice below, don't hesitate to call my office or Business Manager Joanne Schrupp. See you at the polls!

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

See the NOTICE published on April 4, 2016 below for details.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the undersigned Clerk of Colstrip School District No. 19, Rosebud County, State of Montana that the Annual School Election will be held on Tuesday May 3, 2016, at the following polling place:

Frank Brattin Middle School Auxiliary Gym

216 Olive Drive Colstrip Montana

The polls will be open between the hours of Noon and 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election.

Electors will consider the following issues at the election:  

• Mill levy proposition to finance the school’s Elementary General Fund: To determine whether the district shall be authorized to increase local taxes in the amount of $355,873.99 which is approximately 4.58 mills to meet the normal operational costs of the Elementary District General Fund for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. The levy is ongoing once approved by the voters assuming the district levies that amount at least once in the next five years. Passage of this proposal will increase the taxes on a home with market value of $100,000 by approximately $6.18 and on a home with a market value of $200,000 by approximately $12.37.  
• Mill levy proposition to finance the school’s High School General Fund: To determine whether the district shall be authorized to increase local taxes in the amount of $168,302 which is approximately 2.17 mills to meet the normal operational costs of the High School District General Fund for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. The levy is ongoing once approved by the voters assuming the district levies that amount at least once in the next five years. Passage of this proposal will increase the taxes on a home with market value of $100,000 by approximately$2.93 and on a home with a market value of $200,000 by approximately $5.86.

A qualified registered elector who will be unable to go to the polls on the day of election may request an “Application for Absentee Voter’s Ballot” from the school district clerk/election administrator’s office located at:

Frank Brattin Middle School Central Office

216 Olive Drive Colstrip, Montana

DATED this 4 th day of April, 2016

Joanne Schrupp District Clerk