On or around January 26th, registered voters within the Nine Mile Falls School District will receive a ballot in the mail. The only measure on this ballot is the School District’s Replacement of Expiring Educational Programs, Maintenance and Operations Levy. As the superintendent, I want to share some factual information regarding this Levy and its importance to your School District.
The Levy provides 24% of the District’s annual budget - Nearly one-quarter (24%) of the District’s entire budget is funded through the voter-approved local Levy. Although the state is constitutionally required to amply fund basic education, it does not. The Levy will allow the District to continue offering educational programs that our students and community value.
The Levy monies either support or completely pay for nearly every program in the District - The existence of extra-curricular and activities programs are 100% dependent upon levy dollars. In addition, the Levy assists in funding staffing levels including teachers, support staff, and administrators. The Levy also assists in offsetting costs associated with the operation and upkeep of facilities, equipment, utilities, insurance, transportation, and food service programs. In short, the Levy touches every aspect of the daily delivery of education and offerings available to students.
This is not a true Replacement Levy - The continuation of this Levy is a replacement as the current Levy will expire in December of 2012. However, the District is seeking an additional .43 cents per thousand to offset the anticipated cuts coming at the conclusion of this legislative session. The District has made difficult reductions in programs and staffing during the last few years. If the cuts from the state come to fruition as expected, the reduction or elimination of programs would be inevitable without the requested increase. Rather than accepting these cuts without input, it was determined that this is the community’s decision.
A comparable way to calculate the .43 cent increase - Each of our homes and properties are valued differently. For comparison purposes, I will use a home/property value of $175,000 to share the increased tax rate. The additional .43 cents will increase this property tax by $75.25 annually (.43 x 175 = $75.25) or $6.27 monthly ($75.25 divided by 12 = $6.27).
School district levies often create confusion and questions. If you are uncertain about this Levy proposal, how it will impact you, or any other aspect of it, I ask that you please contact me. My desire is to answer your questions so that you are able to make an informed decision. I can be reached at 340-4303 or btalbott@9mile.org. Please remember to vote by February 14, 2012.
