District 25 decides on $9.25 million levy amount

After much debate, the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 board voted 4-to-1 to ask voters for a $9.25 million supplemental levy Tuesday night.

The district said the extra money is needed for operating expenses, which aren’t covered with the earmarked funds provided by the state.

“Our money that comes from the state is obligated money with strings attached and we don’t have the flexibility to have operational money,” said Superintendent Mary Vagner.

Even if the levy passes, it still won’t completely cover the district’s projected $1.5 million deficit.

Vagner said the district has already used up it’s reserve money in order to balance the budget.

“We’re still at a four percent pay cut. We’re still at 9.5 furlough days,” said Vagner.

Vagner said the district plans to ask the state for non-earmarked operational funds.