Voters to consider levies for schools

Belgrade Public Schools has announced the upcoming May 5 ballot will include two general fund mill levies — one for the elementary school district and one for the high school district.

Ballots will arrive in mailboxes starting April 17, according to a press release from Belgrade Public Schools. Ballots must be turned in by 8 p.m. May 5.

"The need for these levies is driven by a widening gap between state-mandated budget limits and real-world costs," reads the release. "Because Montana links funding directly to student enrollment, Belgrade’s current enrollment which remains below 2020 peaks-has reduced the district’s legal authority to spend, even as inflation increases the cost of utilities,

insurance, maintenance and more."

If approved, 100% of the levy increase will be dedicated to staff and teacher raises and benefits, which would help ensure Belgrade remains competitive in recruiting and retaining high-quality educators while protecting vital student programs and managing rising operational costs, according to the release.

Belgrade Public Schools devotes 85% of its budget to staffing, according to Superintendent Dede Semerad.

"This voter-approved levy allows us to offer the competitive salaries necessary to recruit and keep the high-quality educators our students deserve, despite the rising costs of living in our area," Semerad said in the release.