FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about the April 2015 

School District Levy Measures

1.  How did the school district come up with the list of projects?
A diverse committee of parents, teachers, staff, students, and community members formed in the Spring of 2014 to assess the school district's facilities and transportation fleet.  This Task Force continued work initiated by a smaller Facilities Committee several years earlier.  Last spring, the Task Force took a tour of all of the district's buildings, grounds, and bus fleet and the results were eye-opening.  It is clear the facilities and transportation fleet face a variety of maintenance and improvement needs.  The Task Force refined the list of projects, with an eye always to student and staff safety and making wise investments today to save money tomorrow.  A preliminary list of projects was shared in spring/summer 2014 and then another public meeting was held in February of 2015.  Community input helped inform which projects remain on the list.

2.  Are all of these projects necessary right now?  
Yes.  As the district has dealt with the LBHS roof issues and as the schools have endured more and more cuts from state funding, the district has relied on the patience and creativity of staff and students to "hold off" on necessary improvements and repairs.  Several deferred items have now reached a tipping point.  The district faces significant repairs (e.g., the chiller, our buses, track, tennis courts, etc.) and without making these investments the district risks either serious safety liabilities or cutting back on the options available to students.

3.  How did the school district come up with the price tags?
To the extent possible, actual bids or estimates were gathered on the items on the list.  Recognizing that the Capital Improvements Levy will be spread out over a 6 year period, the budgets include inflation adjustments, contingencies, and project management costs.

4.  How does a levy work?
A levy is like an allowance.  With voter approval, the School District assesses a property tax on property within the school district each year for the length of time specified in the levy (2 years for the Transportation Levy and 6 years for the Capital Improvements Levy).  The School District receives the funds twice per year, so the projects will have to be spread out over time.  Unlike a bond, levies provide resources on a "pay as you go" system and therefore do not accrue any interest expenses, saving the taxpayers significantly.

5.  How will projects be prioritized and how will we know what has been done?
The Facilities Task Force has agreed to continue to meet and they will help the district staff prioritize the projects.  The Task Force is also committed to producing an annual report to the community sharing information on how levy funds have been used and which projects have been completed.  Anyone interest in joining the Task Force can certainly inquire with the school district office.

6.  Why are there two separate levies?
School bus purchases may not be funded under a Capital Improvements Levy.  They run on their own, two-year Transportation Vehicle Fund Levy.  Without this levy, the district must purchase buses on a loan and pay for that interest out of the General Fund, which means taking dollars away from funds for teaching and learning.  The district's current capital needs extend beyond school buses, and so a Capital Improvements Levy will also be on the ballot.  Both are essential for student safety and the district's fiscal health.

7.  How have past levies and bonds been used?  
The most recent 2012 bond funded heating system upgrades at MVES, lighting upgrades district wide, and fire suppression system upgrades at both the elementary and Jr/Sr high school.  The 2012 Technology Levy supported technology equipment purchases, instructional resources, and staff development in technology.  A 2010 Capital Projects/Technology Levy funded technology infrastructure upgrades, the IT Technology position, roof repairs, and the purchase of iPads, classroom computers, and Video Production/Digital Photography equipment.  Finally a 2009 Bond was used for a new roof at LBHS.

8.  Are either of the April 2015 Levies related to the International Baccalaureate program?
No.  Having a safe bus fleet and maintaining our school buildings, grounds, and athletic facilities are separate issues from any decisions about educational framework.  These levies are simply about providing students safe places to learn.

If you have additional questions that are not answered on this website, please email us at mvcitizens4schools@gmail.com.