Information about the upcoming
Supplemental Maintenance and Operation Levy Election
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
How much is the levy for?
The levy is for $14 million per year for two years. After two years, a new levy would either need to be proposed by the Board of Trustees and approved by the voters, or the levy would expire.
How will the supplemental levy revenue be spent?
The supplemental levy will be used to restore 9 school days during each of the next two school years. The levy will also be used to replace the one-time revenue that funds the school district’s current general operations.
What is the impact on the property tax rate?
For a home with $100,000 in taxable value (the appraised value minus the homeowner’s exemption) the levy rate will cost approximately $9.58 per month, for a total of $115 per year.
Why did the district propose restoring school days?
For a kindergartener entering school next year, 9 days of school missed each year would mean that student would miss 117 days of school by the time he or she graduates. 117 days equals 2/3rds of a year in lost instructional time.
What has the district done to reduce its expenditures?
Over the last three years, the district’s state revenue has decreased by $18 million dollars while enrollment has increased by 1,670 students. During the same period, local funding for school operations has decreased by $16 million. The district has reduced administrative staff by 17 positions (14.4% of total staffing) and 128 teaching positions (5.4% of total staffing). In addition, the district has reduced the school calendar by 14 days that include 9 school days and 5 staff development and work days.
How do I vote?
The polls will be open from 8 am until 8 pm. Polling locations are the same as the general election. You can find your polling place at www.idahovotes.gov/YourPollingPlace or by calling Ada County Elections at 287-6860. Voters can request an absentee ballot at http://www.adaweb.net/Clerk/Elections/AbsenteeEarlyVoting.aspx.
How can I find out more?
More information about the proposed levy and links to information about how to vote are available on the district web site at www.meridianschools.org.