School budget in flux

The Whitefish School District continues

to keep an eye on funding as it moves through its budget

process.

Superintendent Jerry House updated the

board May 24 on a potential reduction in funding for Title I

programs.

House said the reduction could be up to

20 percent, but the Montana Office of Public Instruction is still

determining the exact amount.

The district receives federal Title I

funding through OPI. Title I provides supplemental funding to

schools in economically challenged areas to ensure equal access to

education.

“The bottom line is we don’t know yet,”

he said. “Obviously, it will have an affect on the Whitefish

budget.”

The district is still waiting for final

state funding numbers. As Gov. Brian Schweitzer continues to sign

and veto bills the school budget remains in flux, House noted.

Last week’s update was meant to keep

the board informed as it moves through the budget process. House

said he expects to have a skeleton budget to the board on June 14,

but a final budget will come in mid-August.

Whitefish received some assistance in

balancing its budget last month when voters approved two school

levies. The levies total $271,600.

The levies saved some teaching

positions. However, reductions in staff have still been necessary.

With cuts combined with resignations and retirements the staff will

be reduced by about 20 positions.