Helena School District voters overwhelmingly approved two operational levies totaling $514,700 by a vote of 4,741 to 2,940 with a low voter turnout of about 10 percent.

The $14.86 increase in taxes on a home with a market value of $100,000 will help fund full-time kindergarten in the elementary district. Implementation of the full-time program will add about 28 new positions throughout the district.

Residents were asked to approve a building reserve in the elementary district for $1 million, which they did by a 2,028 to 1,542 vote and $550,000 for the high school district by a vote of 2,223 to 1,804.

The district will use the money for facility repairs and improvements to the district’s 20 buildings. The reserves have a duration of seven years and replace two levies approved in 2000 that expire next month.

Kim Harris, business administrator for the district, said the permanent absentee voters were against the building reserves, but people voting at the polls were greatly in favor.