Steptoe School District EP&O levy funds general maintenance

STEPTOE — Steptoe School District #304 Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 2023-3 on this year’s special election ballot for a proposition to finance educational programs and operation expenses.

The proposition authorizes the school district to meet the educational needs of students by replacing an expiring two-year levy to collect excess taxes at an estimated levy amount of $120,000, resulting from a tax on property at a rate of $2.50/$1,000 assessed value for 2025 through 2026.

Steptoe Superintendent Eric Patton said the levy has been used for classroom materials, equipment, building utilities, technology and building maintenance.

Patton said that since the building is running on a boiler, some of the funds go towards fuel. “We use fuel, which is a lot more expensive,” he said, noting that it takes a bit to keep it heated.

Patton said that maintenance costs go towards general maintenance and keeping the building going since it is older and that the community’s past support has kept the building vibrant.

Patton said they also use funds to help do Steptoe’s after-school program, which is done twice a week. “It gives extra individualized help to students who want to attend and need extra help,” he said.