LEAL, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Voters in the Barnes County North School District voted overwhelmingly to increase the general fund levy by 20-mills over the next eight years.

Superintendent Andrew Currie said this increase is designed to provide the financial stability necessary to maintain current educational programs, staffing, and services for students. He said Barnes County North is facing a deficit, primarily due to the district’s ongoing bond and interest payments, for the building, which account for nearly 20% of the district’s annual expenditures, and continued increases in salaries, supplies, and transportation costs. He said reductions in state transition funding and new legislative restraints have placed additional strain on district finances.

64-percent of the voters approved of the referendum question in the June 9th election. Superintendent Currie said this 20-mill increase is equal to approximately $700,000 per year, this will allow Barnes County North to maintain small class sizes, preserve quality programs, and protect student opportunities.

There were 271 yes votes compared to 149 no votes in the referendum on Tuesday, June 9th. The election was held at the school near Leal, ND.