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Montana School Districts Face Cutbacks Thanks to Shortfalls in State Budget

By KFBB News Team

Story Created: Mar 14, 2010 at 3:47 PM MST

Story Updated: Mar 14, 2010 at 4:14 PM MST

The Great Falls School District, along with other districts across the state, could be making some tough cutbacks this upcoming school year, thanks to shortfalls in the state budget.

The Montana Legislature is going to have a hard time balancing the budget and that could effect the state's education. The governor has asked for a five percent cut from all of his agencies. State legislators say that is going to impact Montana schools because a large part of the state general fund has to do with public education. Cuts could come from a district's basic operating budget or other programs that rely on state funds.

Legislator Sue Dickenson says putting a levy before voters in Great Falls is a good way to be proactive when the budget is tight. She says, "It seems like all the heads are together, trying to figure out how best to deal with shortfalls without diminishing the programs. I think the mill levy that you're requesting is essential. I hope and I trust the people in this community recognize that they have to step up if they want to keep quality education in Great Falls."

The Great Falls School District will put a mill levy before voters this spring. The levy comes out to an extra 14 dollars in property taxes each year for a house with a $100,000 value.

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