WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TAX LEVY AND A BOND?

A bond issue is used when a school district wants to borrow money for major school repairs or to purchase large amounts of equipment. This loan is paid off over time using funds that can only be used for the purpose of paying off debt.

An operating tax levy provides funding for the ongoing day-to-day operations of our schools, such as paying staff and educating students.

DIDN’T WE JUST PASS A TAX LEVY?

No. The last tax levy passed by the voters of our district was in April 2001. Traditionally for a district our size, citizens will see a tax levy increase about every five years. MRH has managed to improve services and programs, boost test scores and attendance, and increase the quality of our teaching staff without having a tax levy increase for nine years.

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THESE DON’T PASS?

If both, or either, of these propositions don’t pass, the Board of Education will need to make tough decisions on trimming the budget to avoid being taken over by the state.

Without passage of both Y & S, the following

programs are at risk:

• Significant reduction in teaching positions resulting in larger class sizes, less individualized instruction and lower achievement

• Technology cuts which will make it harder for students to compete for college admission and be prepared for today’s workforce

• Cuts to the high school athletic budget

• Enrichment and Advanced Placement course offerings would be reduced or eliminated

• Busing and kindergarten may need to be fee and tuition based

A failure of Y&S will cost our children and our community more than any of us can afford.