AF School District asking voters to renew supplemental levy

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Story Published: Feb 24, 2009 at 5:40 PM MST

Story Updated: Feb 25, 2009 at 5:49 PM MST

By Wes Horrocks

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AMERICAN FALLS - There are about two hours left for voters to decide whether or not to renew the American Falls School District supplemental levy.

If it's approved the levy will be renewed at about $1.2 million. And administrators feel that one of the best selling points this year is that it won't raise taxes. Dr. Ron Bolinger, American Falls School District Superintendent said, "We've had [a supplemental levy] for about the last 30 years."

The purpose of a supplemental levy is fill the gap between how much money the school district needs to function, and how much they get from the state. Bolinger said, "It's for our operating cost for the district."

Besides maintenance and utilities, the American Falls district will also use the money for textbooks, classroom materials, and the increased cost of personnel.

The levy accounts for more than 11% of the district's total budget. "This year we've been trying, as much as we can, to be very careful with all of our spending-understanding what the economic conditions are," Bolinger said.

And because there are 1,500 students spread throughout Power and Cassia counties, buses are one specific area administrators are monitoring to avoid overspending. Bolinger said, "Transportation is always a problem, always an issue with us."

Even if the levy is approved tonight administrators could still face some budget problems.

It all depends on how much money state legislators put toward education. "We're kind of waiting to see, but our levy is just providing overall support," said Bolinger.

Polls will be closing at 8 p.m. Tuesday evening. Make sure you stay tuned to Eyewitness News where we'll bring you the latest on what voters decide.

UPDATE: The levy is approved with 69% of the vote. There were 381 yes votes, 168 no votes, and 2 that could not be counted. Superintendent Bolinger added that this election had a higher turnout than those in the past.

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