GIBBON FAIRFAX WINTHROP — Voters in the Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop School District approved an increase in the operating levy held August 11.

The official vote count was 1,406 “yes” votes and 836 “no” votes. The vote was made official at the school board’s special meeting on Aug. 17.

“GFW voters supported their students and, by extension, our communities, and we’re grateful,” said Jeff Horton, Superintendent. “I want to thank voters for taking the time to become educated on the referendum and casting informed votes. This investment will strengthen our district and help take our students successfully through the next decade.”

Funds provided to the district from the operating levy will be devoted to stabilizing district finances while continuing to provide quality opportunities for students and the community. District priorities include retaining priority programs and quality teachers as well as focusing on keeping class sizes low. The funds will directly benefit students and, coupled with district budget management efforts, will address the current financial challenges including the path to exiting Statutory Operating Debt.

“Passing the operating levy is invaluable,” said Horton. “Our commitment is to chart a course of continuous improvement. Moving forward we will conduct a community process that helps us understand priorities and focuses on strengthening our district. This sets the tone for the next phase of my time at GFW and I look forward to continuing to work with members of every community to improve our district. We will spend these taxpayer dollars wisely to provide a path of success for each student in the Thunderbird community.”

“We understand that this was not a unanimous decision and that some residents voted no,” Horton said. “But we are confident that we share a common goal among all our residents of supporting our childrens’ needs. I want to continue to hear voices from different perspectives to better understand the needs of our diverse communities. We will build on that common goal to deliver on our mission of fostering lifeline learners in a caring environment.”

Updates to the community will continue to be provided in the school district’s school board meetings, school newsletters, on social media and on the district’s website at gfwschools.org.