In late January, the Clinton School District Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution to place two questions on the April 2, 2024 ballot, both of which are Zero-Tax Levy Increase issues. Regardless if either question passes or fails, there will be no change to the district’s tax rate.
Question 1 is a $14,000,000 Zero - Tax Levy Increase Bond which would allow the district to enhance safety and extend the life and functionality of district facilities. Question 2 is a $0.15 Zero-Tax Increase Levy Transfer which would allow the district to provide salary and wage increases for our hard-working and dedicated staff.
We are often asked why there are two separate questions on the ballot. You might have heard the phrase, “bonds are for building, and levies are for learning.” Bonds fund capital construction projects to build, renovate, repair, or modernize school buildings and facilities. Levies pay for educational programs and day-to-day operations of schools, including: staff pay, supplies, utilities, insurance, etc. Because levy and bond funds are restrictive in what they can be used for, and the district is wanting to address two distinct needs, we must have two questions on the ballot.
Another common question we receive is regarding the impact either question would have on the district’s tax rate. Both questions are Zero-Tax Levy Increase issues, meaning neither question will affect the district’s overall tax levy of $3.8679. The tax levy TODAY, will be the tax levy on April 3, 2024, regardless if either question passes or fails. Even though there will be no change to the tax levy, the state of Missouri requires school districts to ask voters if they wish to issue bonds for capital projects, or if they wish to transfer money from one fund to another.
Throughout the month of March, the district will be sharing more information on both Zero-Tax Levy Increase ballot measures. Next week we look forward to sharing more detailed information regarding the projects that would be completed with the passage of Question 1 and 2. You can find more information at www.clintoncardinals.org. If you have additional questions please feel free to reach out to us at 660-885-2237.
