Mounds View Public Schools

If voters approve the levy, in 2007-08 students will experience . . .

Why no extras?

The days of levies providing extras are over. Mounds View, like many metro districts, recognizes that a successful levy is no long-term solution. Yet it’s an essential part of addressing the District’s financial challenges. Other actions include:
* Legislative action
* Continued downsizing
* Continued collaboration with bargaining units to reduce expenses and retain quality employees

Class size averages similar to the 2006-07 sizes (no increases).

Elementary schools = 28 students
Middle schools = 35 students
High schools = 36 students

Curriculum and program offerings that are competitive with neighboring schools and other Top 10 districts. These include . . .

* Band and orchestra programs in elementary schools.
* Continued access to District pools.
* A maintained high school co-curricular program budget.
* Career and Technical Education opportunities.
* A maintained High Potential program in elementary schools.
* Continued support from high school social workers and special education teachers.
* Continued support from deans in the middle and high schools.

No increases in transportation fees.

To read a detailed list of spending priorities, visit here.

How much?
If approved by voters, the following levy terms will apply:

* An eight-year levy (10 years maximum was possible)

* The levy seeks inflationary increases for four years (10 years maximum was possible)

* If successful, it would cost property owners about $76 annually for every $100,000 of the taxable market value of a property starting in 2007-08. This cost will decline every year as enrollment declines, dropping to an estimated $58 annually for every $100,000 of value in 2010-11.

* For schools, it would provide an estimated $10.1 million of revenue in 2007-08. Of this revenue, $6.5 million is new money, and $3.6 million is from the current levy being renewed.

* On a per-pupil basis, it would yield $900 in 2007-08. Considering inflationary increases, this amount could increase to $990 per-pupil after four years.

The School Board is not obligated to levy for the entire term if financial conditions were to change.

Diminishing returns
As enrollment declines, so will the total revenue produced by the levy, as well as the tax impact. It’s estimated that after four years, the tax impact will drop to $58 annually for every $100,000 of value.