Board members are trying to create two preliminary budgets, one with levy funds and another in case an April 28 special levy fails. The district's proposed four-year levy for the same yearly amount failed Feb. 3 when it didn't garner the required 60 percent of voter approval. Districts are allowed two tries per year on special levy requests. The district's current levy ends this calendar year, so district officials are creating a 1998-99 budget without levy money just in case. The district also must plan a budget without that money since it could fail a second time.
Apportionment money is granted for basic education and is based on the number of students enrolled.
If the levy passes, the district would be able to maintain current program levels plus fund some enhancements it couldn't afford this year such as extracurricular activities, technology, curriculum and building budget improvements. Levy money also would also help get the district out of debt and begin building a cash reserve. In a preliminary budget based on levy passage, the district still would have to cut several staff positions. Right now, the district is trying to get every categorical program within its funding source. Areas slated for some of the largest cuts are items not self-supported or fully covered by basic education funding, including transportation and extracurricular activities.