School District 25 levy vote a week away

Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 is asking for $9.25 million in a supplemental levy on March 10. The district said the school board thought long and hard about an amount increase.

The school district said it understands times are tough, and asking for more money puts more strain on families. The district said it could average out anywhere between $1.30 and $1.70 per month additionally to property taxes.

The district said while that may not sound like a lot, having all the residents in Pocatello and Chubbuck contribute adds up. While that is the good news, the district said the bad news is that it has to ask for the money in the first place.

“I know there are families on the edge that it’s probably more difficult for,” said Shelley Allen, District 25 community relations, “and that’s why the board struggled so much with setting an amount.”

Superintendent Mary Vagner said the levy makes up anywhere between 13 and 14 percent of the district’s budget. That means 13 or 14 cents of every dollar spent in the district is from the levy. The money goes toward various district expenses, including extracurricular activities and classroom supplies.

“Even just paying the heat bill, all is helped by our supplemental levy,” said Allen. So the good part is it helps us balance our budget. It helps us give the kids things they need in the classroom.”

Both Allen and Vagner said the school district does not want to cause additional strain on families, but they hope the small increase makes it easier.

“This levy is extremely important to the operation of this school system as it educates children,” said Vagner. “And we’re proud of our system.”

Votes for supplemental levies and bonds will take place on March 10.