Pocatello schools could face $1.5 million deficit

In hopes of averting a $1.5 million budget deficit when its supplemental levy expires in 2015, the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 school board plans to ask taxpayers for more money. But they’re having trouble deciding how much to ask for.

They say a $10 million levy would allow them to avoid the deficit, but many board members expressed concern taxpayers wouldn’t approve any levy over $9 million — an increase of $500,000 from the district’s current levy.

“There is a feeling that we may not be able to go for the full amount that the school district actually needs to balance the budget,” said Bart Reed, director of business operations for the district.

Janie Gebhardt, the school board chair, said the $1.5 million deficit is a result of funding cuts combined with new expenses.

“That’s where the gap comes from, and we have cut just everything that we can cut out of the budgets,” said Gebhardt.

Teachers have already taken pay cuts and 9.5 days have been dropped from the school year.

“In essence, it’s less days for students to be in school,” said Gebhardt.

Even if a $9 million levy is approved, it likely won’t allow the district to restore those days, but will cover operational expenses such as lighting and heating.

A $9 million levy is estimated to cost taxpayers an average of $14 extra each year per household.

The school board will decide on a levy amount at its December meeting and hopes to have a measure on the ballot in March.