On November 8th, residents of ISD197 will be able to decide if a levy should be passed that would raise the district's funding. The ballot will ask, "Shall the renewed and increased referendum revenue authorization proposed by the school board of ISD 197 be approved?" The current levy provides $1.7 million to the district which is spent on teacher salaries, benefits, purchased services, supplies and capital outlay such as textbooks, furniture and technology.
The proposed levy would increase homeowners' taxes by $35 per $100,000 of their home value; this evens out to $3 per month for an owner of a $100,000 home. Right now, ISD 197 homeowners rank 45th out of 48 metro-area school districts in paid property taxes ; they pay $772 compared to an average of $1,162 in the seven-country metro area. Because homeowners within ISD 197 pay so much less in property taxes, an additional $35 annually would still stay well below local and state averages.
The proposed levy would raise the current levy from $1.7 million to $1.8 million; it would maintain the district's programs, prevent dramatic cuts and invest in cost-saving programs. If this levy is not passed the district could face a $3.2 million shortfall in the next year. Since 2003, inflation has grown by 35.1% whereas basic pupil funding has only increased by 11.4%. This leaves a gap between what the state is funding and what the district has to pay for. This levy will provide the school with the funding necessary to keep up with the rising cost of supplies. While the district is still pursuing outside revenue options such as grants and partnerships, voter approved levies account for 24% of the district's money.
ISD 197 was the recipient of the School Finance Award in 2010 and 2011 for demonstrating strong financial stewardship. The district is also trying to keep budget cuts as far away from the students as possible. On recent surveys, solid majorities indicate that the district is a "good value and investment," that it is "spending money effectively," and that they are "proud of ISD197."
On November 8th from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. the following polling places will be open:
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Precinct 1: Heritage Middle School
(121 W. Butler Ave, West St. Paul)
Precinct 2: Garlough Elem. School
(1740 Charlton Ave, West St. Paul)
Precinct 3: Somerset Elem. School
(1355 Dodd Rd, Mendota Hts.)
Precinct 4: Mendota Elem. School
(1979 Summit Ln, Mendota Hts.)
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Precinct 5: Pilot Knob Elem. School
(1436 Lone Oak Rd, Eagan)
For more information visit isd197.org or email elections@isd197.org
