Voters reject Kalispell school levy request

The mood was likely somber after ballots were counted and levies defeated in school districts around the valley.

Polls closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

A general fund levy that would have generated $1.2 million for the high school district in Kalispell Public Schools was defeated with 7,249 votes against and 6,088 votes for the issue, according to preliminary results.

Out of 37,737 registered voters in the high school district, 13,340 ballots were cast. The high school district includes residents living in Kalispell and 13 outlying partner school districts.

If approved, annual taxes would have increased by $25.71 on homes with an assessed value of $200,000.

“I am sad to report that our [high school] general fund levy failed to get the simple majority needed for passage,” Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Mark Flatau wrote in an email to staff. “Kalispell Elementary District did have a majority of ‘yes’ votes but our partner districts did not.”

Kalispell Public Schools begins the task of deciding how to move forward.

“Our administrative team meets tomorrow for our regular monthly meeting, so we will begin the arduous task of trimming $1.2 million from the [high school] budget for the 2019-20 school year,” Flatau stated. “The board of trustees has a scheduled finance committee meeting this Friday morning and I’m sure will also begin to wrestle with this budget deficit. Please know we will work to make reductions with the least impact on our classrooms, but this will be a challenging task. Thanks to everyone who assisted in these efforts. It is appreciated. “

The last high school general fund levy was passed in 2007.

Also on the ballot were contested trustee elections.

With 3,500 votes, Sue Corrigan was elected to represent the elementary district. Candidate Rebecca Linden received 1,709 votes.

April Snell was elected to a seat on the high school district representing Marion, Olney-Bissell, Pleasant Valley, Smith Valley and West Valley. Candidate Anna Marie Bailey received 784 votes.

Helena Flats School District’s $65,000 general fund levy was defeated by a 245-218 margin. If approved, annual taxes would have increased by $54 on homes with assessed values of $200,000.

Voters in Marion School District defeated two levies. A $112,000 general fund levy was defeated by a vote of 171 to 97. A $90,250 technology levy was defeated by vote of 170 to 99. If approved, annual taxes would have increased by $43.90 for the general fund levy and $35.37 for the technology levy on homes with assessed values of $200,000.

A $200,000 general fund levy was defeated in West Valley School District by a vote of 784 to 560. Total voter turnout was about 40 percent. If approved, annual taxes would have increased by $53.78 on homes with assessed values of $200,000.

Evergreen School District voters defeated a $295,000 general fund levy 352-263. Annual taxes would have increased by $50.34 if approved.

Incumbents Tamara Williams and Dave Lowitz were re-elected with 336 and 305 votes respectively. Both seats are for three-year terms. Candidate Brent Karlstad received 216 votes.

With about 23 percent voter turnout, Whitefish School District residents supported levies that will generate funding for the elementary and high school districts. It was the only district to pass levies.

Voters approved a $50,975 elementary general fund levy by 1,482 to 1,041. A $232,602 elementary technology levy was approved by a 1,353-1,199 margin. Owners of homes with assessed values at $200,000 can expect annual taxes to increase by $13.51 for the two levies.

Voters living in the high school district, which encompasses Whitefish and a portion of Olney-Bissell School District residents, supported a $82,887 technology levy with 1,477 for and 1,209 against the issue. Owners of homes with assessed values of $200,000 can expect an annual tax increase of $3.80.

Voters in Fair-Mont-Egan School District re-elected incumbent Katie Freeman with 113 votes. Travis Tennison was also elected with 156 votes. Both terms are for three years. Candidates Lara Zimmerman received 111 votes and Linda C. Kaps, 72.

Incumbent Jerril M. Ren was re-elected to the Smith Valley School District board with 194 votes. Rand A. Norby will also join the board with 129 votes. Both seats are for three-year terms. Candidate Doni M. Bennett received 77 votes. A total of 247 ballots

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.

This article has been updated to include Whitefish and Evergreen preliminary election results.