Swedeborg School District saw voter support in Tuesday’s primary when an increased tax levy passed 119 to 81, essentially saving the district from closing its doors.
The measure allows the school district tax ceiling to be increased to $3.43 per $100 of assessed valuation for the tax years 2010 through 2012, then reduced to $2.75 in 2013 and thereafter.
Swedeborg School District Superintendent Joe Dunlap said the 68 cent increase was a compromise after the failure to pass a $1 increase, which would have brought the tax ceiling to $3.75, in April.
“It's definitely a huge step in the right direction,” Dunlap said. “It puts us in a much better financial situation.”
The district was in danger of closing before the increase passed and Dunlap said it shows the level of community support for the district. Dunlap said he is extremely grateful to the local area for their support in the passage of the measure.
Swedeborg is a largely rural area and many residents most likely could not afford a tax increase.
“These folks are reaching into their own pockets,” Dunlap said. “This is a major sacrifice for these people.”
Dunlap said he didn't have any firm numbers on what the tax increase would generate for the district, but a very conservative estimate would provide about $20,000 per year. He said the funds would first go to improving the delivery of instruction and help stabilize the district's finances, which have been declining in past years.
Dunlap said a few things he would like to see happen in the district include bringing back the Parents As Teachers program and part-time preschool, which was previously cut because of financial difficulties.
The Parents As Teachers program is a family education and support program that helps develop parental skills for those with children age 5 and under.
Dunlap said he also would like to see some interior remodeling of the entrance areas and a basement classroom.
“We're just trying to do a few things,” Dunlap said. “I'd like to do a three-year plan.”
Dunlap said the increase will be significant and will help the district take steps toward a balanced budget.
Dunlap said the district's small class sizes, which, in a two grade classroom, is generally between eight and 12 students, provide a more individualized learning environment and stronger teacher-student relations. Dunlap said the small classes enable teachers to have a major impact on individual students.
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Swedeborg School District saw voter support in Tuesday’s primary when an increased tax levy passed 119 to 81, essentially saving the district from closing its doors.
The measure allows the school district tax ceiling to be increased to $3.43 per $100 of assessed valuation for the tax years 2010 through 2012, then reduced to $2.75 in 2013 and thereafter.
Swedeborg School District Superintendent Joe Dunlap said the 68 cent increase was a compromise after the failure to pass a $1 increase, which would have brought the tax ceiling to $3.75, in April.
“It's definitely a huge step in the right direction,” Dunlap said. “It puts us in a much better financial situation.”
The district was in danger of closing before the increase passed and Dunlap said it shows the level of community support for the district. Dunlap said he is extremely grateful to the local area for their support in the passage of the measure.
Swedeborg is a largely rural area and many residents most likely could not afford a tax increase.
“These folks are reaching into their own pockets,” Dunlap said. “This is a major sacrifice for these people.”
Dunlap said he didn't have any firm numbers on what the tax increase would generate for the district, but a very conservative estimate would provide about $20,000 per year. He said the funds would first go to improving the delivery of instruction and help stabilize the district's finances, which have been declining in past years.
Dunlap said a few things he would like to see happen in the district include bringing back the Parents As Teachers program and part-time preschool, which was previously cut because of financial difficulties.
The Parents As Teachers program is a family education and support program that helps develop parental skills for those with children age 5 and under.
Dunlap said he also would like to see some interior remodeling of the entrance areas and a basement classroom.
“We're just trying to do a few things,” Dunlap said. “I'd like to do a three-year plan.”
Dunlap said the increase will be significant and will help the district take steps toward a balanced budget.
Dunlap said the district's small class sizes, which, in a two grade classroom, is generally between eight and 12 students, provide a more individualized learning environment and stronger teacher-student relations. Dunlap said the small classes enable teachers to have a major impact on individual students.
