Community LevyInformation Meeting

Coming Together for Kids!January 14, 2010

1

Introductions

Board Members

• Viki Draper

• Ben Elkins

• Eric Johnson

• John Mortenson

• Connie Smejkal

Administrators

• Jim Anderson

• Kim Fry

Levy Committee Chair

• Karen Sanchez

2

The RSD Educational M&O Levy requests funding for the purpose of …

Maintaining Educational Programs & School District Operations

3

Levies are for LEARNING!

4

Bonds are for BUILDINGS

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Why do we have levies in Washington?

Levies pay for programs and services which are not funded, or are only partially funded by the state or federal governments.

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This levy directly supports the teaching and learning of

every student in

ALL classrooms

every day.7

80% of the Levy Directly Impacts Teaching & Learning

• Staff to Lower Class Sizes

• Textbooks

• Teaching Supplies

• Technology

• Arts Programs

• Band & Choir

• Counselors

• English as a Second Language (ESL)

• Gifted Education

• Special Education

• Vocational Programs

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•Staff to Lower Class Sizes•Textbooks•Teaching Supplies•Technology•Arts Programs•Band & Choir•Counselors•English as a Second Language (ESL)

•Gifted Education•Special Education•Vocational Programs

Educational Programs – 80%Bus Transportation – 6%

Athletics and Activities – 9%

Facilities – 5%

•Custodians•Building & Grounds Maintenance•Utilities

How is Levy Money Spent?

9

Levies are no longer for extras. They now fund basic education.

10

RSD Levy Facts

• This is a RENEWAL levy, NOT a new tax.

• The 2008 levy expires at the end of 2010.

11

RSD Levy Facts

• The 2010 levy is for the same amount voters approved in 2008. NO INCREASE!

• It sustains the current level of local funding for schools for two more years. 12

Levy Equalization

If the RSD levy passes in February, the State will provide an additional $778,000 in Local Effort Assistance.

13

Why is This Levy More Important Than Previous Levies?

$1.03 million in state cuts to RSD in 2009-10

$1.50 million in proposed ADDITIONAL state cuts to RSD in 2010-11

$3.38 million in lost revenue if the levy does not pass

$5.91 million

$5.91 million = 27% of budget

14

Budget vs. Enrollment Comparison

27% of Enrollment = 536 Students

RPS GMES RMS RHS & HEART

492 531 519 534

15Despite reduced funding all schools will remain open!

What cuts have already occurred?

•Fewer Teachers•Fewer Support Staff•Fewer Administrators•Cut Rochester Alternative Middle School •No C-squad Athletics •Capping Team Sizes at RMS•Busing Changes – Schedule Changes•Less Money for Curriculum•Less Money for Technology•Less Money for Staff Training, etc…

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About How Much Did theCurrent Levy Cost?

Home value in 2009 $240,000.00

Cost per $1,000 in 2009 $2.64

Levy taxes paid in 2009 $633.60

Home value in 2010 $245,000.00

Cost per $1,000 in 2010 $2.69

Levy taxes paid in 2010 $659.05

Cost increased $2.12 per month

 

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About How Much Did theCurrent Levy Cost?

Home value in 2009 $240,000.00

Cost per $1,000 in 2009 $2.64

Levy taxes paid in 2009 $633.60

Home value in 2010 $200,000.00

Cost per $1,000 in 2010 $2.69

Levy taxes paid in 2010 $538.00

Cost decreased $7.97 per month

 

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Your BallotROCHESTER SCHOOL DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL

MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS LEVY

The Board of Directors of Rochester School District No. 401 adopted Resolution No. 09-09 concerning a proposition to levy property taxes. Upon the expiration of the current maintenance and operation levy, the proposition would authorize the following taxes for purposes of operating and maintenance in excess of all regular property tax levies, upon all taxable property within Rochester School District No. 401 for the district’s general fund.

Collection Year Approximate Levy Rate per $1,000 Assessed Value

Levy Amount

2011 $2.61 $3,388,000

2012 $2.54 $3,388,000

Should this proposition be approved?

YES _______NO _______

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All Mail-in Ballot Election

• If your ballot does not arrive by January 29, please contact the Thurston County Auditor’s Office.

• Mail your ballot promptly, or• Drop it off at one of the following locations:

• Rochester Fire Station• Grand Mound Licensing• Littlerock Fire Station• Thurston County Courthouse

All ballots must be dropped off or postmarked by February 9.

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Tax Exemptions• Senior and disabled citizens who meet

certain income requirements may be exempt from part or all of local school levy taxes.

• For more information or to find out if you qualify for a property tax exemption, please contact the Thurston County Assessor’s Office at 786-5410

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Support Rochester Schools Levy Committee

• Karen Sanchez - Committee Chairperson• Keiko Paros - Signs• Annette Moore - Publications• Viki Draper - Doorbelling• John Mortenson - Public Speaking • Jan Watson - Voter Data• Shannon Wayt & Julie Melton - Business Connections• Bill Liddle - Website • Brandon Chapman – Internet Messaging • Chelsey Wayt – RHS Student Coordination• Jennifer Bronson & Echo Quarnstrom - Mailing• Darren & Sandee Prescott - Voter Calling• Kendra Clark – Sign Waving 22

Votes Needed to Pass the Levy?

Expecting 4,000 voters

50% + 1 = 2,001

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What Happens if the Levy Doesn’t Pass in February?

• Re-run levy in the spring. • District must deduct additional elections

costs from other programs.• Begin building a budget that cuts up to

$5.91 million.• Initiate Reduction In Force or “pink slip”

process.• Everyone’s energy moves from focusing

on student learning to bracing for the worst.

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Questions & Answers

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Thank You forAttending!

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For more information…

• Board Members, Administrators, Committee Members and RSD Staff will stay to answer questions

• Visit www.SupportRochesterSchools.info • Sign up to receive emails• Become a Friend of Rochester School Levy

Facebook page• Call the District Office @ 273-5536 or email a staff

member jdoe@rochester.wednet.edu

First Initial Last Name 27