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DECISION 2011: Election delivers financial blow School board members chosen katie hodges
Great Falls voters denied the high school and elementary levies which together amounted to $998,000 on May 3, and also elected four new trustess to the school board. The voters turned down the elementary levy by 9474-7985, and the high school levy by 95007993. Mary Moe, Jan Cahill, and Bob Moretti were elected to the three four-year terms, and Johnny Walker was elected to the one-year term. Somewhat ironically, each of the trustees elected Tuesday supported the mill levy. All candidates had the chance to interact with the public at a student-led forum April 19 at Cameron Auditorium on the Benefis campus. The American Association of University Women sponsered the event, at which student journalists from Great Falls High and CMR questioned the candidates.
Mary Moe
Students and community members gather to question and listen to trustee candidates on Tuesday, April 19, at the Cameron Auditiorium in the South Benefis Tower. Junior Katie Hodges moderated the event. Photo by Beth Britton.
Voters deny district’s $998,000 levy tim seery
“The most pressing issue is getting a budget in place that will sustain us.”
“My top priority is to maintain the quality of education.”
“One of the first issues is what programs the district recommends taking out. I’m sure that will be one of the first priorities.”
“There’s going to be some tough desicions that need to be made. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Johnny Walker
Aside from the sheer numbers and the new reality of a failed levy, Kloppel said he is disturbed by voter attitude. “More than one half of the voters say they support education, but in actuality they really don’t,” Kloppel said. Kloppel said that in years past the district has levied funds and in the spirit of fiscal responsibility only used part of the funding. “A few years ago we levied 19 mills and only used five of them. That ends up coming back to haunt us because our budget is based on what we use,” he said. “Had we used more, we would have more budget to work with. I guess it shows you that our frugality has even caused us to take a hit.” Reflecting on the new reality of two failed levies, Kloppel is thoughtful. “I don’t understand the perception that our district doesn’t use money wisely.”
Bob Moretti
On May 3, Great Falls voters weighed in on a $998,000 mill levy, and for the Great Falls Public School District the result was far from desirable. The high school and elementary levies both failed by a margin of more than 1,500 votes. According to the Cascade County Elections Office, of the 25,000 ballots sent out to registered voters, 12,600 of them had been received by mid-Tuesday morning. All additional ballots were dropped off at the election office or cast on Tuesday at the Montana Expo Park. After hearing the result, CMR Principal Dick Kloppel reacted by saying, “I am disappointed and somewhat saddened by the results. The general palpable atmosphere in the community was negative.” “There is the perception out there that the district has fat, and the bottom line is that the levy was going to support vital organs,” he said. “When the levy is needed to hire English teachers, science teachers, literacy teachers—those are all vital organs.”
Jan Cahill
THE WINNERS
SPEAKING OUT: Candidates share views at the April 19 Forum Eric Bakly
“We, as a board, should find ways to get out with the public. Trust comes from relationships.”
Jan Cahill
“I think I can provide insight to new board members. I’m proud to have been a part of education.”
Audrey Finlayson
“I received a quality education. It’s the ultimate way to give back.”
Mary Moe
“I believe our choices will determine the destiny of Great Falls. We have never been more in need of good schools.”
Bob Moretti
“I believe it’s every citizen’s responsibility to volunteer. The reward to me is success.”
David Schuler
Randall Hand
“I bring my love for community service. I look at this seat as a thankful position.”
“I would like to give students the best education possible.”