Lolo School is asking voters to consider a general fund levy. Passage of the levy is critical to maintaining programs and staffing levels to benefit students.
The Details:
Lolo's levy request is to support the General Fund, which pays the bulk of school expenses, including: student programs, classroom materials, outstanding teachers & staff
The State of Montana contributes 73% of the general fund through per-pupil funding (ANB), Direct State Aid, and Quality Educator Payments. The remaining 27% is up to the local taxpayers.
In 2027, district costs are projected to rise by $323,312.
The district plans to offset this shortfall with $169,000 in increased state/federal funding and $55,000 in budget cuts.
The $99,312 levy request is intended to retain Lolo’s high-quality staff, update classroom materials, and sustain student programs.
None of the levy is allocated to pay for the construction of the new school building.
Every dollar supports Lolo students and staff!
Between 2020 and 2026, overall inflation increased by 26.2%, but Montana’s contributions to schools grew by only 12.6%, leaving a 13.6% gap between cost increases and available funding.
The only options left are to ask local voters to cover the difference through levies or to keep reducing staff, delay updating classroom materials, and cut student programs.
Lolo School has already reduced five teaching positions, three classified positions, and one administrative position over the past six years.
A modest investment would make a BIG impact on Lolo’s students, staffing, & stability.
$300,000 home $18.72/yr or $1.56/mo
$600,000 home $39.99/yr or $3.33/mo