The operating levy proposes an operating levy of $1,604 per student with inflation be approved by the voters for 10 years beginning in 2012-13.

The proceeds from the levy would be placed in our fund balance, increasing our cash balance, and would be used like a savings account in combination with other efforts to make up for shortfalls between State and Federal funding and District expenditures. By placing the levy proceeds in the fund balance, we would assure the greatest stability for programs and staffing even if the state formula funding continues to be frozen or fluctuates significantly, as it has in the last decade.

Depending on State and Federal funding levels, passage of this levy would avoid further district cuts for 3-4 years or more depending on state and federal funding levels based on current revenue and expenditure assumptions.

Some key points about the impact of the Operating Levy’s approval:

• The new operating levy will allow the school district to have greater stability which would reduce our reliance on uncertain State funding and lessen the severity of future cuts in student programs and services for the next 10 years.

• The district will be able to maintain programs at the 2011-12 level for at least the next 3-4 years, keeping programs and staff in place.

• The district will be able to maintain class sizes at the 2011-12 level for at least the next 3-4 years.

Some key points about the impact of the Operating Levy’s failure:

• If the operating levy fails, the district would be forced to make major cuts in programs, transportation and other services and staff.

• There would be $900,000 in across the board cuts for 2013-14 cutting 14-15 teachers, student services staff, support staff and administration.

• Class size for 2013 -14 would increase by an average of 0-1 student in every classroom K-12.

• If the levy is allowed to expire in 2014 -15, a major cut of $6.7 million would required, including cutting 119 – 120 teachers, student services staff, support staff and administration.

• Class size for 2014 -15 would increase by an average of 4-6 students in every classroom K-12 with an average of 27 students in primary grades; 30 students in intermediate grades, 35 students in middle school classes and 37 students in high school classes.

• Since Question #2 for a capital projects levy is contingent on the passage of the operating levy, if the operating levy fails so does the capital projects levy.