School board mulls local option bid

The local option tax levy that has kept Sisters schools operating since voters approved it in November 2000 will run out at the end of the next school year.

The more than $700,000 provided by the local tax of 75 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation is a vital part of the school district budget.

So the question becomes, when to ask voters for a renewal. The board has three options: next November, March or May.

Board member Jeff Smith urged his colleagues Monday night to weigh the decision carefully. In November, the district would not face the "double-majority" requirement for 50 percent-plus turnout to have a valid tax election. However, board members note that the November presidential election is likely to be contentious and the ballot crammed with initiatives.

Board chair Glen Lasken favors waiting till March to allow new Superintendent Ted Thonstad to settle into the community and become a leader who can advocate for local option.

Board member Eric Dolson, while not taking a position on timing, said that the schools need to give voters a complete, specific and accurate picture of exactly what will be cut if the district loses more than $700,000 in local option funds.

He questioned whether such a picture could be assembled before November.

New Superintendent Ted Thonstad said he "would be concerned about going in November" because of competition on the ballot.

"If you know by experience that you can get the double majority, I'd stay away from general elections," Thonstad said.

The board acknowledged that pushing the vote back to March gives them little time to recover by May if voters turn local option down.

A decision is expected in August.