From the Desk of the Superintendent
White Sulphur Springs Voter Information: School General Fund Levy May 6
Ballots will be mailed April 16th for this school Election
What is the School General Fund?
The general fund is the school’s largest fund, primarily used to pay for the basic costs of operating a school district. The fund covers a wide variety of expenses, including, but not limited to: teacher salaries and benefits, school safety, school supplies, curriculum, student activities, utilities, and maintenance costs. The revenue generated form the levy would be used to fund the programs and services that the state and other sources don’t fully fund.
How is the General Fund budget determined for schools?
The general fund budget for each school district is specific to the school’s enrollment. In White Sulphur, we have a single K-12 District. Each year, schools have student count dates (October and February) and that average (Average Number Belonging) is used in the state formula to determine the school’s budget.
A significant reason for pursuing a general fund levy would be to continue to keep staff at the same level as we presently have, as well as continue to offer intervention services needed to support student achievement. The levy is to specifically address academic needs and NOT athletics and extracurriculars. The teaching staff we have are doing an amazing job of teaching to the standards and reaching student potential. This levy would also allow services for students who require more intensive support in the area of academics.
WE have done what we can with the dollars available for curriculum at the elementary level and would feel it necessary to update outdated and obsolete curriculum in all areas of the district.
It is understood that asking for a levy may not be popular. The decision to run a levy was not an easy one. Asking voters to consider a levy would mean an increase in taxes if approved. tax increases depend on several factors including your property type and the value of your property. The school district has been fiscally responsible with the funds provided through taxes and will continue to do just that. WE looked at all funds when making this decision and have cut anywhere we could find.
School budgets can be difficult to understand as each budget has its own specific purpose and spending limits. IT may be misleading to see a beautiful campus with amazing facilities, which could give the impression that the school does not need additional funding. The curb appeal appears the school is doing fine financially but it is important to understand the school was built with funds through a school bond that were specifically for that purpose. We have an incredible fleet of route buses, which are all paid for out of a bus depreciation fund. Money from those funds cannot be used for general fund expenditures. For example, we cannot use the transportation fund for funding additional teachers, purchasing curriculum, or paying for a paraprofessional. Those expenditures are specifically general fund expenditures.
Taxable Valuation, Mills, and Tax Impacts
Every school district has a taxable valuation, and it differs from year to year. The Department of Revenue assesses properties within the district and estimates the market value of all real estate that is subject to property taxes. Schools receive their taxable value typically the first week in August. The taxable value plays an important role in the mills required to operate the school.
The district’s taxable value determines the mill value. Taxable Value= Market Value x Tax Rate. Tax rate is the percentage of the market value that is taxable. In Montana, the residential tax rate is 1.35%. Currently, the taxable value for the White Sulphur School District is 10,992,591. To determine the value of a mill, you take the taxable value x 0.001. So, the mill value of the district is 10,992.
For example, what would the tax impact for the $47,259 levied in this election be.
• $5.81/year on a $100,000 home
• $17.42/year on $300,000 home
• $34.83/year on a $600,000 home
Information Session TONIGHT
White Sulphur Springs School Library, 6pm
School General Fund Levy Information
April 28th!
Earlier this month, students and advisor flew to Washington D.C. and New York City for Close-Up 2025. They experienced historical monuments and memorials, learned the inner working of our government, met with the staff of our state representations, used their critical thinking skills in a multitude of group discussions, participated in a mock congress, and had a ton of fun. Huge thanks to all those that helped to support this group and allow them to have this amazing life-changing experience!
A Negotiations Committee Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 4:15 in the Conference Room.
https://5il.co/3c2zz
The Banking and Finance Class would like to thank Ms. Sarah Hamlen for coming to share her expertise on finance with us. We appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge with our students.
The winners of the 5/6th grade division of the American Legion Essay Contest are Maci Young, Bailey Lesofski, and Emily Peeler! Great Job!
The next Negotiations Committee Meeting will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025. See the link for more information
https://5il.co/3behk
Junior high and high school students attended the Southwest Academic Olympics. Junior high students learned a lot. While there, they gleaned new competitive play strategies for group competition. High School students had a good day as well. Some of the new players showed their bravery by buzzing in to add to our score, and the veteran players demonstrated great leadership skills.
Dawson Schlepp received a 3rd place medal in the individual 12th grade written competition. He also placed 7th in the overall (all grade levels) division. Great work, Dawson!
The teams, coach, and bus driver would also like to give a huge thank you to our booster club for providing sandwich lunches. This was truly appreciated!
A huge thank you to AgWest for donating a freezer and beef to our school lunch much program. Our local producers Bodell Ranch, Lind Bros, Rodger and Megan Shroyer and Rod and Maureen Brewer for the donation of animals to fill the freezer. Our students are being fed with local products!
Congratulations to our athletes for a wonderful 2024-25 basketball season.
1st Team all conference and All state: Natalie Fisher and Julianna Feddes.
2nd Team all conference: Tanner Novark
Academic All State: Natalie Fisher, Julianna Feddes, Tanner Novark, Claire Marks, Augusta Evans, Beau Shroyer, Macen McDanel, Kellen Marks, Gabe Myrstol, Sheila Hamlen, Mary Jane Hameln, Tyler Evans, Tristan Voldseth, and Dawson Schlepp.
Last week, the Career Fair returned to Hornet Country for the second year. We had more than 25 tables with special guests featuring military, apprenticeships, trade programs, and so much more. Students participated in mock interviews with local business individuals, had their resumes critiqued by working professionals, heard a special presentation on requesting letters of recommendation, and were able to interact on so many levels at the individual booths. Thank you to all who helped make this day possible!!
The March Regular Board Meeting will be held Tuesday, March 18, 2025. See the link for the agenda.
https://5il.co/3ajry
The Negotiations Committee will have a meeting Monday, March 24, 2025 at 4:30 pm in the Conference Room.
https://5il.co/3a862
It’s that time of year when our 4th thru 6th grade reading teams competed locally in the Battle of the Books. Each team read 12 books over 5 months. The teams battled it out on Thursday, March 6th to showcase their knowledge. The 4th-grade teams were - team YaYaBubba: Jasper Paddock, Taya Hamm, and Jon Gilman and team Booknicula: Caden Dreidlein, Lauren Knapp, and Finlee Brandt. After battling for two rounds, the teams were tied.
However, team Booknicula eked out a win in the run-off. Team Booknicula will compete at the State level on March 12th. They will be up against teams from all over Montana.
There was only one 5th/6th grade team consisting of Eleanor Frazer, Chloe Gore, Tig Kalstrom, and Emily Peeler. This team automatically advanced to State. The state competition is March 12th.
Reminder this adult education class begins tomorrow. Let Abbie know if you can make it.
We are so excited to share with you that our Hornet Country Career Fair is returning this Thursday from 1:00-5:00 in the school multipurpose gym! Please enter through the front doors and sign in if school is still in session. Our 2025 Fair is bringing lots more interactive exhibits, from local businesses, regional businesses, apprenticeships, trade programs, and more. In addition, new this year, we are also bringing special presentations, mock interviews, and resume feedback.
The fair will be open to STUDENTS ONLY from White Sulphur Springs Schools as well as Shields Valley from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
The fair will then open to the WHOLE COMMUNITY at 3:00-5:00, including all the special presentations and workshops.
To sign up for any of the special presentations and workshops or for any questions, please contact Tiffany Sweeney at tsweeney@whitesulphur.k12.mt.us or (406) 547-3351.
A Negotiations Committee Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 4:30 pm. See the link for more information.
https://5il.co/39wm7
Kindergarten and 5th Grade Reading Buddies took time to read a few Dr. Seuss books on Wednesday. What a positive example of mentorship and cross curricular work. Great Job Hornets!
MT Shakes came to Hornet Country yesterday for a performance as well as lively and educational workshops for our elementary students!
