In 2016, the Garretson Schools held an election to opt out of property tax limitations for five years. Voters supported the resolution, and the District has been able to decrease the amount needed for operations from $500,000 to $350,000. That opt out expires in 2021. On Monday, March 8, the Garretson School Board took action to pass a resolution to opt out of property tax limitations for five more years and decrease maximum amount to $350,000. According to SD law, in communities with an opt out in place, school districts are not obligated to take the maximum amount. Upon approval of the annual budget, the school board could choose to tax for all of the opt out amount, some of the opt out amount or none of the opt out amount.

The board invites the public to attend a public meeting intended to provide information and answers to questions the public might have on March 23, at 7:00 in the New Gym. Mr. Johnson and Board President Shannon Nordstrom will offer a short presentation regarding the mechanics of school budgets and opt outs and also the current status of the budget in our school district, followed by a question and answer session. We look forward to sharing where we’re at, and where we’re going as a District as well as answering your questions!