by Elyse Kaner
Staff writer

Spring Lake Park District 16 voters passed a first levy question on Tuesday’s ballot and voted down a second in the general election.

A levy pays for school operating costs and cannot be used for brick and mortar projects.

The vote will result in $1.5 million in cuts for next school year, Superintendent Don Helmstetter said in an interview with the Life.

“I’m grateful that our existing levy was renewed, but I’m deeply disappointed for the kids of the district because it also means because the second one didn’t pass, there will be changes and cuts to our programs and services,” Helmstetter said.

The cuts, in Helmstetter’s words are going “to be really hurtful.”

The district has its budget in place for this year, but next school year will be a different story. Teachers could lose their jobs, class sizes could increase, bus routes will be examined, meaning possible longer rides for the kids, and the district will look into increasing student activity fees, he said.

The district held more than 30 public information sessions to get the word out on the levies.

A total of 2,004 voters approved ballot question one to renew a 1999 levy for learning for 10 years, and 1,410 voted against it. Passage of this levy means there will be no change in District 16 residents’ school portion of their property taxes.

The second ballot question asked voters to revoke, replace and increase a 2002 levy for learning. A total of 1,434 voted yes, while 1,962 voted no.

Had the levy passed, district residents with an average home appraised at $200,000 would have seen a $96 a year increase in their taxes for a 10-year period.

Helmstetter said funding issues do not go away, especially when the fixed costs for the district continue to increase by $1.5 million a year. The district next year will be looking to the state legislature for relief, he said. Funding from the state has been flat the last few years.

District 16, last spring, began a lengthy budget modification process that resulted in $1.5 million in cuts for this school year. The process resulted in suggestions for possible future cuts.

Helmstetter said the district and board would take the time to regroup and decide what needs to be done to address future budget shortfalls.

“We want to thank those who supported the kids of our district,” Helmstetter said. “And to everyone, we simply pledge to continue to do all that we can to provide services to our students to meet the needs of their future. It’s just going to be more difficult now.”

Voting results will be officially canvassed at the District 16 School Board meeting Nov. 10.

Elyse Kaner is at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it