Voted Local Levy

Argument in Favor of assessing the Voted Local Levy

Wayne County School District Board of Education approved a “Resolution proposing a special election for purposes of...authorizing a proposed voted levy at an annual rate of .001380 per dollar of taxable value.” At multiple board meetings the school board has unanimously expressed its approval of proposing this tax increase.

The revenue that would be generated from this tax is critical to support the operations and instructional programs of the district. Student enrollment has declined in the last five years. A significant portion of our state funding is based on student enrollment, so even while the legislature has provided yearly increases to the state funding per student, we have decreased in the total amount we receive in this area. In the past, budget adjustments have been able to absorb the shortfalls, but these adjustments are starting to significantly impact the schools.

The revenue from the Voted Local Levy will be used to; hire a school social worker/counselor, extend school administrators contract hours in the summer, provide two additional math classes at the high school, provide funding to help our teachers get highly qualified, and provide a cost of living increase to employees.

When the board passes the Voted Local Levy they have agreed to decrease the Board Local Levy by an amount to arrive at a net increase in rate between both Levy’s of .000145. By passing the Voted Local Levy, we will receive extra funds through the state guarantee program. For every dollar raised locally through this levy, the state will guarantee another two dollars and sixty cents in matching revenue. This provides extra on-going state funding never before available for the education of our students.

The Board has been charged with the responsibility of guaranteeing all students an equal and appropriate education in their preparation to become college and career ready. Providing quality programs and instruction becomes a daunting and difficult task as the board attempts to strike a balance between critical student needs and available resources. These funds will help support the district in its efforts to meet those educational needs.

Passing the Voted Local Levy is our message both locally and to the state that our community supports public education and our students. The board asks for your “YES” vote on the Voted Local Levy proposition ballot in the upcoming November 7, 2017, election.