NEWS RELEASE:

Voters will decide in a Special Election on October 7 if USD 247 will be allowed to collect taxes for Capital Outlay and how those funds can be spent.

If approved, the district will be allowed to collect up to 8 mils annually for Capital Outlay with the state matching a portion of the local revenue.  Those funds could be used towards the construction of a tornado safe room at Southeast Elementary School, paying for American Disabilities Act upgrades, for buying computers, software, band uniforms, as well as purchasing and maintaining large items.  If rejected, the district will have to use instructional and other funds to cover mandatory expenses this year and postpone others to next year, when more big ticket items become mandatory, such as school buses.

USD 247 Superintendent Dr. Glenn Fortmayer says in the past 4 mils were collected for Capital Outlay, generating around $120,000 annually.  $100,000 of that went directly to a loan paying for energy efficiency and facility improvement work at all the buildings in 2008.  This loan still has to be paid annually and it is on an escalating payment.  Any remaining funds go towards large expenses in facility care, including iPads, computers, and other equipment.  State regulations will also require the district to purchase one new school bus each year through 2030.  That purchase can be delayed this year, but two buses will need to be purchased next year.

“Our kids (also) need to replace 20 year old band uniforms,” says Dr. Fortmayer.  “These expenses are directly for kids.  For the first time, the state is giving us money based on what local taxpayers give – that equates to 40% extra for free.”

USD 247 Public Information Officer Chris Wilson says even with the proposed increase for Capital Outlay, the total tax rate collected for education is decreasing.  He says there are three ways the state and local taxpayers fund schools:  (1) Capital Outlay – up to 8 mils collected and kept locally; and, now matched somewhat by the state.  (2) The General Fund – 20 mils are collected statewide, pooled into one giant pot, and then disbursed among school districts using a formula determined by state representatives.  (3) The Local Option Budget – or LOB – supplemental funds from the state plus taxes collected on a district-by-district basis.  This local rate is what the state has decreased.  LOB for USD 247 was 27.684 mils in 2012-2013, 26.385 mils in 2013-2014 and has been set at 15.324 mils for 2014-2015.

“A home assessed at $25,000 paid about $150 towards education two years ago and they should have been around $135 last year,” Wilson says.  “This year, even if voters approve the Capital Outlay, that home owner will pay around $125 towards education.”

If voters reject the authority to collect up to 8 mils for Capital Outlay, that same home owner saves about $25 – just over $2 per month.  But, again, the district loses out on state matching funds.

“We’re looking at around $240,000 raised locally for Capital Outlay and another $98,000 from the state – the state would pay for us to get a new school bus every year with room to spare,” says Wilson.  “This keeps us from having to spend money that should be going directly to teaching our kids.  If our local taxpayers are willing to give a little, the state is willing to give more too. ”

The Special Election is scheduled to be held Tuesday October 7 for registered voters living within the USD 247 territory.  USD 247 voters who regularly vote at Girard, Greenbush, Church of Christ in Pittsburg, and those living in Neosho and Labette Counties will receive ballots by mail.  All other USD 247 voters must go to their regular polling place or fill out an Absentee Ballot.  Crawford County will open its regular polling places in Cherokee, McCune and at the Elk’s Lodge just west of Pittsburg.  Cherokee County will open their regular polling places in Roseland and Weir.  These polling places will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on October 7, 2014.

The official question is listed below.

“Shall the following be adopted?

“The above-named school board shall be authorized to make a continuous and permanent annual tax levy in an amount not to exceed 8 mills upon the taxable tangible property in the school district for the purpose of acquisition, construction, reconstruction, repair, remodeling, additions to, furnishing, maintaining and equipping of school district property and equipment necessary for school district purposes, including (1) Acquisition of computer software; (2) acquisition of performance uniforms; (3) housing and boarding pupils enrolled in an area vocational school operated under the board; (4) architectural expenses; (5) acquisition of building sites; (6) undertaking and maintenance of asbestos control projects; (7) acquisition of school buses; and (8) acquisition of other fixed assets, and for the purpose of paying a portion of the principal and interest on bonds issued by cities under the authority of K.S.A. 12-1774, and amendments thereto, for the financing of redevelopment projects upon property located within the school district.”

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