Community Levy Information Meeting Coming Together for Kids! January 13, 2016

Introductions Board Members Glen Morgan, Chairman Ben Elkins Camille Haskins Michael Langer John Mortenson Administrators Kim Fry Levy Committee Chair William “Bull” Demers

The RSD Levy requests voters to renew funding for the purpose of … Continuing the current Educational Programs & Operations

Why do we have levies in Washington? Levies pay for programs and services which are not funded or are only partially funded by the state or federal governments.

Levies are for LEARNING!

This levy directly supports the learning of every student in ALL classrooms every day.

Staff to Lower Class Sizes Textbooks Teaching Supplies Technology Arts Programs Band & Choir Counselors English as a Second Language (ESL) Gifted Education Special Education Vocational Programs Educational Programs – 80% Bus Transportation – 6% Athletics and Activities – 9% Facilities – 5% Custodians Building/Grounds Maintenance How is Levy Money Spent?

Local Money Local Control

Budget vs. Enrollment Comparison 15% of Enrollment = 330 Students 166 Students 167 Students

Levies are no longer for extras. They now fund basic education.

RSD Levy Facts This is a REPLACEMENT levy, NOT a new tax. The 2012 levy expires in 2016.

Legislative Funding

Your Ballot ROCHESTER SCHOOL DISTRICT REPLACEMENT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS LEVY The Board of Directors of Rochester School District No. 401 adopted Resolution No concerning a proposition to levy property taxes. Upon the expiration of the current educational programs and operations levy, the proposition would authorize the following taxes for purposes of operating and maintenance in excess of all regular property tax levies, upon all taxable property within Rochester School District No. 401 for the district’s general fund. Should this proposition be approved? YES _______ NO _______ Collection YearApproximate Levy Rate per $1,000 Assessed Value Levy Amount 2017$3.89$3,963, $3.89$4,033, $3.89$4,119, $3.89$4,198,856

How do the tax rates relate to assessed values? The tax rates are estimates which are calculated to generate a specific amount of money each year. When the total assessed property value rises, the tax rate declines. This ensures that the district collects just the dollar amount which is approved by the voters. Assessed Property Values RiseTax Rates Decline

Example #1

Example #2

Example #3

Example #4

Tax Exemptions Senior and disabled citizens who meet certain income requirements may be exempt from part or all of local school levy taxes. For more information, or to find out if you qualify for a property tax exemption, please contact the Thurston County Assessor’s Office at

Levy Equalization If the RSD levy passes in April, the State will provide an additional $1 million in Local Effort Assistance. If the levy fails, we will NOT receive the Local Effort Assistance funds.

All Mail-in Ballot Election If your ballot does not arrive by January 29, please contact the Thurston County Auditor’s Office. Drop off locations: Rochester Fire Station Grand Mound Licensing Littlerock Fire Station Thurston County Courthouse All ballots must be dropped off or postmarked by February 9.

Questions & Answers

For more information… Board Members, Administrators, Committee Members and RSD Staff will stay to answer questions Call the District or a staff member Visit the RSD website Visit Become a Friend of Support Rochester Schools Facebook page

Thank You for Attending!