Bonner Trustees are asking the voters to consider voting “Yes” on two levy proposals on the upcoming May 7 Mail-in Election:
Bonner Trustees are requesting voters to approve a General Fund operating levy generating about $16,500 per year. Our General Fund is the primary revenue stream for staff salaries and benefits, utilities, instructional materials and programs, and teacher supplies. Bonner School currently operates at 93% of, or $220,000 less than, the state-recommended optimal budget. For comparison, Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) consistently operates, and levies accordingly, at 100% of the State-recommended budget. And the State of Montana's contributions to schools are not keeping up with the pervasive impact of inflation.
Trustees also propose a Safety Levy, which would generate about $33,000. An increasing percentage of our General Fund budget is used to protect the safety of our students and staff, and these funds would assist in covering costs of our counselor and behavioral supports, as well as security communications and camera technology.
Voters often protest that Bonner School raises its constituents’ taxes every year. In fact, it has been nineteen years since voters approved a General Operating levy increase. (Imagine making your household budget work without an increase for 19 years!) On the other hand, Missoula County and the Missoula County High School District have increased taxes on an annual basis. This distinction can be confusing, but out of a typical household annual property tax assessment in our district, Bonner School receives only 1/5th of the revenue.
We are dedicated to using the resources our community provides us to provide Bonner children the very best education possible. An investment in our children is an investment in our future!
The General Fund levy would increase taxes by:
$2.70 per year for every assessed $100,000 of value
The proposed Safety levy would increase taxes by:
$5.40 per year for every assessed $100,000 of value
We are happy to answer any questions you might have. Please feel free to call the superintendent, Jim Howard, at 258-6151, or email him at jhoward@bonner.k12.mt.us.
Bonner Trustees are hosting a Get-Out-the-Vote and informational campaign event on Tuesday, April 23rd, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria. PIZZA will be served, along with information, and then participants will help canvass the community to inform voters of the opportunity to support Bonner students.
