The North Callaway School Board unanimously approved ballot language during its regular meeting Thursday night for the $6 million bond issue the district is putting before voters on Nov. 4. The bond issue needs a four-sevenths (57.14 percent) majority to pass.
Board member Scott Starkey asked if the ballot could specifically state that this is a no-tax-increase bond issue, but Larry Hart with LJ Hart - the district's financial advisor - said the wording is "all the clearer the state auditor will allow us to get."
According to Hart, the district cannot definitively state it will not raise the tax levy because "we don't know, and you don't know, what could happen with your valuation in the future."
"If your assessed value goes down, you might have to adjust the levy because the state says so," Hart said. "What you're telling people is, "We don't plan to increase the levy.'"
In other bond-related business, the school board also voted unanimously to make a $125,000 prepayment on its general obligation bond series 2012.
The district also held a hearing to set the district's 2014 tax rate Thursday night.
According to Superintendent Bryan Thomsen, the district's assessed valuation for 2014 is $87.98 million, up from $85.24 million for 2013.
The board approved an operating tax levy of $3.1714 and a debt service tax levy of 0.6622 for a total levy of $3.8336. Thomsen said estimated revenue from the tax is $3.3 million, but said he would plan on a 92 percent collection rate, which would generate $3.03 million, which would be $76,956 higher than last year.
Also during the meeting:
•The board recognized Sandy Terry, who retired from the transportation department.
"I really have enjoyed the whole experience," Terry said, noting she reconsidered her decision as late as Thursday, but her husband held her back. "Just take care of my kids, that's all I ask."
•Thomsen praised Special Programs Director Karrie Millard and the district's special education staff for doing well on their state evaluation.
"I received notice the other day they blew the test away - they scored 4 (the highest available rating) in all categories except for one," Thomsen said. "Thank you to that group for your dedication to these kids."
•Thomsen recognized Williamsburg Elementary teachers Mahaley Sullivan and Diana Mahoney and Auxvasse Elementary teachers Jennifer Allen and Ashley Bartels for being recognized by Discovery Education as STAR Discovery Educators for their use of technology in the classroom.
story created on Thursday 8/21/2014 at 9:09:48 pm by Katherine Cummins
story modified on Thursday 8/21/2014 at 9:44:28 pm by Kevin Smith
Katherine Cummins can be reached at (573) 826-2418 or [email protected].