Cook County voters will decide whether or not School District 166 will receive more money over the next five years when they cast their ballots on November 2.
The board at its July 21 meeting approved a resolution for an operating referendum in the amount of $650 per pupil unit.
“This is not the same as $650 per pupil,” said superintendent Beth Schwarz. “Older students get allotted more funds than younger kids.”
If the ballot passes, the district should be able to remain out of statutory operating deficit. If it fails, the school board will be faced with even more cuts.
Due to declining enrollment, unfunded or under funded mandates and a general decrease in state aid, school districts across the state are feeling the financial pinch. School District 166 is no exception to this trend, and like a lot of other school districts across the state deep cuts have been made to staff and programs.
Still, a looming financial gap awaits the district if it can’t come up with more money. There is an everpresent reality that no matter how much has been cut away, more can, and will be, cut if the dollars aren’t there to run the school district.
Should the referendum pass, Superintendent Beth Schwarz said, “the school district would average about $350,000 per year.”
Homeowners would be taxed at $67 per $100,000 valuation of their property. Someone whose property was valued at $250,000 by the county would pay $167.50 more per year for the next five years.
The school board will have a booth at the Fisherman’s Picnic in Grand Marais with information about the referendum. A campaign has been launched to educate the public further about the referendum and what it means to the school district.
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