Superintendent: November Levy Risky But Right Thing To Do

' Superintendent Kathryn Powers isn't crazy about putting a new levy on the ballot during a presidential election, but administrators felt it was necessary.

“It’s risky, but we think it’s the right thing to do,” Powers said.

When the school board meets on Thursday, it will vote on sending a 4.9 mill levy to the ballot this November.

Treasurer Martin Aho said with a 4.9 mill levy the owner of a $100,000 home would pay $150.06 annually. That would generate $3.8 million for the district each year.

In 2016 the district's ending cash balance would be approximately $550,000. Earlier this month predicted the district would be in the red $12.8 million by 2016.

“It’s not going to be a giant bank account, but it’s reaching the board’s goals of a black balance,” Powers said about 2016 if the levy passes.

Using data from surveys and , Powers said the community would be more favorable of a 4.9 mill levy, compared to a 6.9 mill levy.

Powers said levies during a presidential election can be "tricky," but she didn't want to wait until 2013. If the district waits until the spring, because of how school finances operate, it would require a 7.9 mill levy. Essentially the district would be losing more money and waiting longer to collect.

It would also be in the same year as a 5.4 mill general operating renewal levy.

So what happens if this new money levy doesn't pass this fall?

The district would have to come back next year with the 7.9 mill levy and have to do .

If the levy does pass, however, Powers said there are no promises that any cuts would be restored because the district needs to stay the current course to keep in the black.

“It’s all about maintaing educational exellence for the students,” Powers said. “Our community has always supported our students and we hope they will continue to this November.”