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Supplemental Levy May 2013. Fruitland School District. What is the district proposing?. Supplemental Levy on May 21 st Amount: $495,000 per year for two years The intent of the levy is to allow us to --maintain class sizes --maintain the number of days students are taught
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Supplemental Levy May 2013 Fruitland School District
What is the district proposing? • Supplemental Levy on May 21st • Amount: $495,000 per year for two years The intent of the levy is to allow us to --maintain class sizes --maintain the number of days students are taught --continue to offer courses and programs that enhance students’ education --continue to pay the district’s operational expenses
Why is the levy needed? • Since 2008 state funding for FSD has been reduced: State Funding 2008: $8,709,255 State Funding this year (budgeted): $7,183,610 Decrease of $1,525,645 = 17% decrease State funding per classroom unit 2008: $25,442 State funding per classroom unit this year: $19,706 Decrease of $5,736 per classroom unit = 22% decrease
How has the district dealt with state funding reductions? • Examples of cuts in staffing, services, and programs: • closing the intermediate school • reducing staff by 16 certified positions • reducing staff salaries and benefits • eliminating the Student Resource Officer position • implementing furlough days • reducing elective offerings • implementing student fees for athletics and activities • cutting funds for supplies, books, software, etc. • Use of one-time federal jobs money 2011-2012 • Use of district reserve funds 2012-2013
What is different this year? • One-time federal funds are no longer available. • State increase of 2.2% does not begin to backfill previous cuts or address future increases in district expenses. • Using further money from reserves would threaten the district’s financial stability.
How are other districts addressing reduced state funding? • Of 115 school districts in Idaho, 88--76%--have supplemental levies. • 36 districts passed supplemental levies in March, including Payette for $695,000. • Other districts with levies, current and/or proposed: • Weiser: $350,000 per year • Parma: $350,000 per year • New Plymouth: $350,000 per year • Homedale: $484,100 per year • Emmett: $1.5 million per year
What new financial challenges does the district face next year? • Significant increase in health insurance costs. • Increased state retirement system costs. • Increased workers comp premiums. • Increased utilities costs, such as electricity • Reduced federal support for programs; but legal requirements to provide services will remain the same.
How much will the levy cost? • For every $10,000 of net taxable value (after the homeowner’s exemption) $11.50 per year or 96 cents per month. • (About 3 cents per day per $10,000 net value) • To determine how the levy will affect your taxes: Call 642-6012 and ask the Assessor’s Office for your net taxable property value.
Recent results of Fruitland’s investment in education… • Our high school, middle school, and elementary school have all received commendations from the state for academics. • Fruitland Preparatory Academy has been selected for the Khan Academy pilot program in Idaho. • US News recently named Fruitland High School as the 8th best high school in Idaho (April 2013). • Our widely acclaimed band program competes at the 5A level in Idaho. Drum line performed at the Davis Cup!
Results… • The athletic programs have produced 12 State Titles since 2008-09: Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Tennis; as well as individual champions in Wrestling. • 10 State Academic Awards for highest team GPA • 9 State Sportsmanship Awards at State Tournaments • Our FFA chapter membership is the largest in the state and has won numerous national and state awards, competing against schools of all sizes.
Results… • For two years in a row, the State President of Business Professionals of America has been a Fruitland student. Our BPA chapter competes successfully at the national level. • The number of AP and Dual Enrollment courses has increased; students may seek college credit in English, animal science, horticulture, government, calculus, shop skills, environmental science, physics, and US history. Additional college credits may be earned online.
Summary • $495,000 per year for two years. • 96 cents per month per $10,000 value after exemptions. • Levy election May 21, 2013. Polls open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. • Voting will be at the same locations as the general election: • Corpus Christi Catholic Church • Fruitland City Hall • Community Center (Farmers Mutual) • New Plymouth Assembly of God Church
Voter Information Absentee Voting, voter registration, and poll locations information: payettecounty.org or call 642-6000 Deadline to register and vote absentee: May 17 Voters may register and vote at the polling place on May 21st.
Public Meeting on Levy • Tuesday, May 14th • 7:00 pm • Fruitland Elementary Multipurpose Room