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Lewistown Public Schools would like to inform voters about the upcoming May school levy election and the status of the budget shortfalls for the 2013-14 school year.

The elementary and high school districts face budget shortfalls due to recent declines in enrollment, particularly in the high school, and ever increasing expenses.  The high school district’s projected budget shortfall will be approximately $313,474.49 and the elementary district’s projected budget shortfall will be approximately $325,185.23 for the 2013-2014 school year.  By law, our schools are able to run a levy in the amount of $27,393.21 for the elementary school district and $130,492.06 for the high school district.  

The Lewistown School Board made the decision to run one levy this year. This will be for the high school district in the amount of $130,492.06, which will be requested of voters via a mail ballot election ending May 7, 2013.  If that levy passes, the high school will still face a potential budget shortfall of $182,982.43.  As voters can see, even with the passing of the levy in the high school, significant cuts will need to be made in both our elementary and high school budgets.  At this time the District is forecasting reductions in staffing, activities, and supplies. Support of the levy will lessen the impact of these reductions.

The table below shows the taxpayer impact of the high school district levy.  A taxpayer owning a $100,000 home will see a probable increase in their taxes of approximately $13.40/year and a $200,000 home will see an increase in their taxes of approximately $26.80/year. 

Lewistown Public Schools, a local employer taking part in our community and local economy, is asking for your support in continuing to give our students the best education possible.  Let’s work together to uphold Lewistown Public Schools through passage of the high school district mill levy.  Thank you for your support of our future generations.