November 8 is Election Day and the ballot includes Issue 4, the school district’s request for a 1.75 mill, 5-year general permanent improvement replacement levy to fund capital repairs and replacements.  This replacement levy is a NET DECREASE in current tax collection effective January 1, 2023.  Issue 4 will appear on the November 8, 2022  ballot.

Why the money is needed:

• The majority of the buildings on our school campus are over 20 years old.

• In the next 5 years, capital repairs and replacements must occur for safety and security equipment, heating and cooling systems, school buses, facilities and campus infrastructure, and technology with an average cost of $2.5 million annually per our 10-year capital maintenance plan.

• Issue 4 will ensure a dedicated source of funds to cover these expenses with the balance from the general revenue operating budget.

Why now:

• Starting January 1, 2023, our current 1.25 mill five-year general permanent improvement levy AND .75 mills of  bond debt used to build some of our schools both expire for collection.

• With Issue 4, we’re asking to replace our expiring levy and bond debt with a 1.75 mill five-year general permanent improvement replacement levy to maintain more than $120 million of school facilities and equipment our taxpayers have invested in for our students.

• With the passage of Issue 4 on November 8, 2022, our taxpayers will still see a net tax decrease to fund our schools effective January 1, 2023.

Our progress & commitment to you:

The Board of Education and administration promised better educational outcomes for our students and fiscal responsibility. We have delivered on both.

• Our most recent State Report Card illustrates 5 Stars, the highest rating possible today.

• We have annually reduced District expenditures while increasing academic outcomes.

• Leadership, fiscal stewardship, and restructuring to date have saved taxpayers millions.

By focusing our resources on students first, we have successfully extended the life of our operating levy to 2024 or beyond. Unlike many other communities, it will be 12 years since our community approved our last operating levy.  We have a positive cash balance for the entirety of our five-year forecast. Continuing to dedicate funds just for capital repairs and replacements via Issue 4 for the next 5 years will help to ensure that our community’s investment in our schools is protected.

Issue 4 - The Basics