Frequently Asked Questions

Home

1. What are the facts about a school levy?
2. What is the difference between a bond and a levy?
3. What is the levy tax rate?
4. Why does the levy cover a four-year period?
5. What is supported by the levy?
6. When is the election?
7. When will absentee ballots be mailed to voters?

Home

  1. What are the facts about a school levy?

    A school levy is a property tax on real estate to help finance the educational programs and operations of the public schools. The state pays about 80% of the school's operating costs; the levy makes up the remaining 20%. The levy states a specific amount to be collected each year and needs to be approved by the district's voters.  back

  2. What is the difference between a bond and a levy?

    A bond finances the construction of school buildings.

    A levy provides the funds to maintain the school buildings and the educational programs of a school district. back

  3. What is the levy tax rate?

    This levy's estimated 2007-2010 tax rate will be $2.59 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation. It is projected to decrease every year. This was the same rate promised and approved in the 2002 levy election. The tax rate for the years 2003-2006 averaged $2.58. back

  4. Why does the levy cover a four-year period?

    The 2002 levy covered funding for 2003-2006. The Feb 7, 2006 levy election covers funding for 2007-2010. Four years was selected to save thousands of dollars in election costs and to direct staff time into instructional activities versus campaigning.. back

  5. What is supported by the levy?

    Textbooks and other teaching materials: Levy funds provide for continued replacement of textbooks, instructional materials, supplies and equipment that provide effective instruction.

    Security and Safety: Video monitoring equipment, intrusion alarms, fire safety and radio communications, as well as nursing and health supervision programs, are funded by the levy.

    Special Education and Pupil Services: The levy makes up the state funding shortfall in the cost of these programs.

    Maintenance: The levy is used to support maintenance, utilities, and repairs of our facilities, buildings and grounds.

    Athletics, Music and other Student Activities: Levy funds are the primary source of support for these groups. Most receive no state funding to exist.

    Instructional Technology: Increasing opportunities for student access and learning, special training programs and upgrading of current hardware and software are funded by the levy.

    Staff Training and Professional Development: Levy funds offer staff training in instructional, interpersonal and technical aspects of schooling to assist students in meeting the new state standards. Extra teachers and teacher aides are needed to reduce classroom overcrowding.

    Student Transportation: Levy funds cover un-reimbursed costs for transporting students to and from school. back

  6. When is the election?

    Election day is February 7, 2006 for poll voting. back

  7. When will absentee ballots be mailed to voters?

    Absentee ballots will be mailed to voters by January 21, 2006.back