Without that approval, the district said $34 million would have to be cut. Superintendent David Law says it was critical.
“I think people want to maintain our current programs. It’s a net tax impact of zero year over year, and it’s always easier to get a renewal than get an increase,” said Law. “Even some of the feedback I’ve gotten from community members, that these should be slam dunks because it’s a great investment. So that makes me feel good that our community is so supportive of our public school system.”
Voters also gave a green light to continuing a levy for classroom technology. Question Two raises $44 million over ten years for computers, broad band infrastructure, and enhanced audio in classrooms. It also passed by a 60 to 40 percent margin.
One thing voters did not approve was a tax increase to continue mental health and academic support programs. Question Three failed by a margin of 55 to 45 percent. Those programs will continue until federal funding runs out.
“We will continue those through next year and then it will b a discussion of the board of, do we sunset those programs or how do we look at keeping those a priority? Those have been lifted in our community surveys as top priorities, mental health support and academic support for students who are struggling academically,” said Law. “I think one of the things that we battled is people saying, ‘why would you need this now when you have the federal money, why don’t you ask when you need it?'”
Even though Question Three failed, Law says the 45 percent in favor of continued mental health and academic help shows pretty good support. He says the school board may decide to do another community survey later to see if it’s something people are still interested in.
