School election on May 7

Voters go to the polls next week to decide on a Whitefish School District levy request and select two school board trustees.

The school district is asking for approval of a $36,000 high school levy to assist with a predicted tight budget. Incumbent Ruth Harrison and newcomers Nick Polumbus and Karla West are all vying for the two trustee positions.

If the levy is approved, it is expected to give the district the ability to hire an additional teacher for next school year, effectively replacing five of the nine staff members who are retiring this year. Without the levy the district expects to replace four of the staff members.

The levy increase is expected to increase taxes on a $100,000 market value home by 93 cents, and on a $200,000 home the increase would be $1.85 annually.

The district is unsure of exactly what next year’s budget will look like until the state legislative session ends. Under the current state funding model, the district can request a high school levy of $36,000 and anticipates the elementary district would see an increase of about $26,000 in state funding.

Harrison is seeking re-election to board after first being appointed to the position in 2006. Now retired, she has worked in education and ranching. She previously served on the Pleasant Valley School Board and as clerk for the school.

She said she is seeking another term because she has an interest in continuing to serve the district as it continues to improve and progress.

Polumbus moved to Whitefish in 2007 and is the Director of Marketing and Sales at Whitefish Mountain Resort. He has two boys in Muldown Elementary and a third who will be in kindergarten next year.

He said he is seeking election to the board because he has a desire to make sure the school curriculum is doing its best to prepare students for the future.

West has served 40 years in education at all levels and currently works at Flathead Valley Community College. She has lived in Whitefish for 27 years and is greatly involved with nonprofit music organizations.

She said her career in education and volunteer work will give her the background to oversee the district in different areas from curriculum to budget.

The school election is Tuesday, May 7. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the school district office inside the middle school.