Boundary County identifies cuts if school levy vote doesn’t pass

Boundary County’s School Board has approved a list of cuts to be made if voters reject a second-attempt Maintenance and Operations Levy on May 31.

The proposed levy, which would collect $799,700 a year for two years, is about $185,000 less annually than the levy expiring this spring.

To compensate, the school district has already decided to shorten the school week to four days and eliminate funding for academic decathlon, equipment upgrades, the junior high science lab, art materials, classroom supplies and library books.

A bookkeeper position at the junior high has been cut, and the staff of Naples Elementary has volunteered to haul their own trash from the school to save money.

High school “B” sports teams and “C” teams at the junior high level have been eliminated.

Cuts totaling $799,700 will also be made in the following areas if the levy fails.

They are:

“Extracurricular activities including sports, team travel, travel to concerts and music competitions, equipment, the athletic director’s position, coaching salaries and salaries for advisers. $259,604

“Textbook purchases. $108,000

“Part-time principals at Naples, Mount Hall and Evergreen elementaries. $55,068

“Technology technician. $33,000

“Drama program. $11,361

“A 75 percent reduction in the Gifted and Talented program. $34,166

“Closure of Naples School. $79,241

“Travel and consumable supplies, including paper, printer cartridges, glue and office supplies. $87,104

“Two full-time hourly positions. $46,344

“A full-time teaching position. $51,612

“High school vice principal. $34,200