Frequently asked questions

When did voters approve the District’s current levies?
Residents approved levy increase requests in 2003 and again in 2006. As each of those levies expired, residents approved no-tax-increase renewal requests in 2010 and 2013. It has been 13 years since the District has requested a levy increase.

How much do the current levies provide?
The 2003 levy provides about $7 million annually, and the 2006 levy provides about $14 million annually. Neither levy’s amount has increased since the original approvals.

Didn’t voters just approve a bond?
Yes. In 2017, voters approved a bond request to add much-needed space to school facilities. By law, this money can’t be used for classroom expenses. Only levies can provide the funding needed to keep class sizes stable and programs in place.

Why does the proposal call for combining the two levies?
As each levy has expired, residents have been asked to come to the polls to renew the requests, simply to maintain the current level of funding. Combining the two levies into one 10-year levy aims to avoid levy-renewal voter fatigue for the next decade.

Why does the request include an increase that also accounts for inflation?
It’s been 13 years since the District has requested a levy increase. During this time, the levy revenue has made it possible to provide stable class sizes and programs. Today, some class sizes are reaching the top end of the approved averages, while the District’s fund balance is approaching the low end of recommended ranges. With additional revenue, the District will have more reliable funding to provide stable class sizes and consistent programs for students – for the next 10 years. In addition, the levy revenue will help enhance ongoing efforts to provide social, emotional and mental health resources for students, upgraded safety and security for all buildings and career pathway programs preparing students for high-demand, high-wage careers in the trades and other job fields.