Board is versed on mill levies

As Libby School District 4 looks toward the possibility of a property-tax increase to address its anticipated deficit, board members on Monday effectively “went to school” to learn the do’s and don’ts of proceeding with a mill levy request.

Elizabeth Kaleva, a Missoula attorney who represents school districts, walked board members through an extensive dossier of levy advocacy issues during a special meeting.

“How you conduct such a levy election can depend on how successful you are,” Kaleva said. “A lot of how you articulate the need will determine your success,” Kaleva told the full board.

Kaleva offered board members two handouts containing 17 pages of information that included such items as guidelines for board members, teachers, staffers and even the superintendent. 

She warned of laws governing the dissemination of materials should neither be distributed by district employees, and they should neither use public time, facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel nor funds to solicit support or opposition to any political committee, the nomination or election of any person to public office, or the passage of a ballot issue.

“You must be absolutely sure you don’t push a levy on the school district dime,” she said.

However, Kaleva left open the possibility of a citizens’ group advocating a levy.

“A political action committee, however, may do this, and this is neat and clean,” Kaleva said. “For $35 to $50 you can start a PAC, and it’s well worth the money.”

Kaleva also told board members, since they are not paid by the district — unlike teachers and staff — they may work toward a levy mill passage. However, Kaleva cautioned board members to be mindful of gatherings that are not announced meetings, effectively forming a quorum without proper public notice.

She also warned teachers and staff to be careful of using district e-mail to discuss a levy.

“School district e-mails should be hands-off,” Kaleva said. “Be smart about using e-mails,” she cautioned.

However, Kaleva did not tie the boards hands completely.

Any business or endorsements of a levy conducted during your meeting are recorded in your minutes, and this is legal,” she said. “In fact, I would encourage you to openly discuss the levy (during the meeting).”

Kaleva also advised press releases endorsed by the board and approved memos to media for dissemination are great ways to get the board’s announced.

Kaleva said school board elections and school mill levies are traditionally sought in May, and she suggested the board arrange a timetable consistent with that schedule.