What is an operating levy?
An operating levy generates funds to operate our school system and is sometimes referred to as a general fund. This money is used for operational costs such as staff salaries, staff retirement and benefits, insurance, utilities, paper, books, etc. These funds may be used for buildings, repairs or renovations, but the district has stated that they have not done this in the past and will not in the future outside of routine maintenance. Building project needs have been addressed through bond issues and permanent improvement levies.

How much will this levy increase my taxes?
A 6.9 mill operating levy will increase taxes on a $100,000 house $211.31 per year. However, this additional tax is offset by a reduction in current property taxes, amounting to about half the cost. Residential values have gone down by more than 11 percent on average. The school district also loses a small amount of money on what is called "inside mills." Lastly, there was a planned reduction of 2.3 mills in bonded debt this year. To determine how much this levy would cost you click here to open our millage calculator.

When was the last levy passed?
Voters approved a 4.9 mill operating levy in 2004. This levy was projected to last until 2008; however, we have stretched these dollars for two additional years.

How will my money be spent?
The money collected from an operating levy goes into the general fund, which supports the day to day operations of the district. This includes salaries, retirement and benefits, insurance, utilities, paper, books, etc.

What happens if the levy does not pass? Is the district considering cuts?
Yes. In making a request for additional moneys, we need to make certain that we are utilizing the funds as efficiently as possible; we are once again reviewing all programs and services provided by the district. Keep in mind that we spent 83 percent of our budget last year on personnel and transportation services. If the levy does not pass on May 4 the district will need to implement more than $3 million dollars in reductions. For a complete list of possible reductions click here. Over the past two years the district has implemented nearly $2 million in cost saving measures.

Didn't we just pass a levy?
In 2007 the Kings community generously supported a bond issue. This money was used for a desperately needed major expansion and renovations to Kings High School and Kings Junior High. There also were renovations to J.F. Burns Elementary, Columbia Elementary and the Kings Education Center. Kings also addressed a number of storm water and erosion issues at multiple locations in the district. Bond Issue funds may not be used for general fund or operating purposes.

What does the Permanent Improvement money pay for?
Kings uses Permanent Improvement Levy funds primarily for building maintenance and technology improvements. Like funds generated by a bond issue, permanent improvement funds may not be used for general fund or operating purposes.

Will the district implement a pay-to-participate fee  for extracurricular activities if the levy does not pass?
Yes. The cost would be $200 for high school and $125 for the junior high.

Why did we adopt an open enrollment policy?
Last year the district adopted an open enrollment policy. This policy is restricted and was adopted as a way to receive money for children the district already educates. We have received about $300,000 this year as a result of adopting this policy.

When do we vote?
Tuesday, May 4.