Huron School District officials held an informational forum Saturday on the upcoming tax opt out vote, Huron School District voters will be asked to make on July 19th. With increasing insurance and health costs to the tune of 200-thousand dollars, the Legislature’s six-point-six percent cut to education, which for Huron means 700-thousand dollars less and a carry over deficit of 400-thousand dollars from last year, the district’s short fall is one-point-three-million dollars. School Board President John Halbkat told the moderately filled room if the opt-out were to fail, personnel would be the first to feel the effects…
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2011/07/optoutforum.mp3|titles=optoutforum]If approved by School District Voters, the Huron School district would be required to levy the full one-point-five million dollars in the first year of the five year deal. After year on the district can choose, how much, up to one-point-five million to take…
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2011/07/optoutforum2.mp3|titles=optoutforum2]State Representative Peggy Gibson of Huron, a Democrat and opponent to the education cuts, apologized on behalf of the legislature for forcing the opt-out decision…
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2011/07/optoutforum3.mp3|titles=optoutforum3]Any registered voter in the Huron School District is eligible to vote. The Huron School District boundaries include parts of northern Sanborn and Jerauld Counties and school official encourage those who live in those areas to vote as well. Voting on July 19th will take place from 7AM to 7 PM at the Huron Arena.