Dear Big Sky Community,
It is election
season and this year the school district has two levies on the ballot for voter
consideration. We are excited about the possibilities that both levies bring to
the district.
First, we are
asking voters to approve a general fund levy in the amount of $40,000. In
Montana, a school district has the ability to ask voters to approve a local
levy in order to operate at 100 percent of the allotted budget calculated by
the state. These dollars will be used specifically for expenses related to
teacher and staff salaries. For a property valued at $1 million, for example,
the property tax increase to a homeowner comes to $18.80 per year.
Additionally,
the district is excited to partner with Habitat for Humanity of Gallatin Valley
to construct teacher and staff housing on our property. The partnership will
allow the district to construct stable, predictable rental units for some BSSD
staff.
Habitat for
Humanity’s methods allow the district to construct the units on district
property for approximately $135 per square foot, which is significantly less
than the current rate in Big Sky. The district is seeking approval of a
Building Reserve Levy in the amount of $600,000 over five years. This levied
amount will be used to complete all infrastructure for the two triplexes as
well as the physical structure for one of the triplexes. For a property valued
at $1 million, the property tax increase to a homeowner comes to $56.40 per
year.
The BSSD board
is, as always, grateful for the support the community shows for the school
through positive election results. Should you have further questions or need
additional information regarding the school levies this election cycle, please
reach out to Superintendent Dustin Shipman at dshipman@bssd72.org or make plans
to attend one of the following informational meetings jointly held by the
district and Habitat for Humanity:
April 24, 6-7:30 p.m. in the Warren
Miller Performing Arts Center
May 1, 6-7:30 p.m. in the Warren
Miller Performing Arts Center
-Big Sky School
District Board of Trustees
