Over the last few weeks we hope you have found this informational series helpful. It has been our intent for you to be an informed voter when heading to the polls next week. Today, we’d like to wrap up by discussing what is required for each issue to pass, and what will happen if these issues are not approved by voters.
Question 1 (Zero-Tax Levy Increase Bond) requires more than a four-sevenths (57.14%) majority to pass. Question 2 (Zero-Tax Increase Levy Transfer) requires a simple majority (50% plus one vote) to pass.
The district was recently asked what would happen if Question 1 and/or Question 2 are not approved by voters. If Question 1 fails, the proposed capital improvements would have to be put on hold, or the district would be forced to use operating funds (money used for educating students and paying teachers and staff) to take care of the capital improvements. It would likely take the district decades to piece together all of the renovations and improvements that are part of the proposed bond project. The district would do its best to continue to complete small individual projects as funding allows, but major projects have been deferred for several years in order to balance the budget.
A no vote on Question 2 would substantially limit the district’s options when exploring ways to increase the salaries of our hard-working and dedicated faculty and staff. The district makes efforts every year to retain and recruit highly-qualified staff, but the long-term solution requires us to offer more. As the national teacher shortage continues, it is imperative that we continue to work towards making the district’s salary schedules more comparable to area districts so that we can keep our current staff and continue to recruit the best educators for our students.
We hope all registered voters will take the time to head to the polls next Tuesday, April 2nd to vote on the multiple issues that are on the ballot here in our community. If, in the next few days, you have any questions you would like answered, please contact us at bwishard@clintoncardinals.org or 660-885-2237.
