Francis Howell Considers Tax Levy Extension

Recent budget projections show the Francis Howell School District may face financial trouble in years ahead.

After years of growth in the district, property tax rates are flat at the same time that state funding has become less predictable.

Those two factors combined mean Francis Howell may have budget deficit that could drain a large surplus.

The money concerns prompted the Board of Education to start discussing the future of the tax levy. In August 2008, community members voted to maintain the district's operating tax levy, 20-cents of which was due to expire.

That 20-cent levy is again going to expire after 2013. That represents $4 million in potentail revenue for the school district.

With the expiration looming, the Board conducted a work session to figure out just what to do with the tax levy. The opinions varied.

Board president Mike Sommer said he would like to see the issue on the April 2012 ballot. He would like voters to decide what they think about the tax levy and if it should be extended.

That suggestion worried Superintendent Pam Sloan. Prior to the discussion of the tax levy, Chief Financial Officer Kevin Supple gave a lengthy presentation about the future financial shape of the district as it relates to state funding.

A proposal is being passed around the Missouri legislature that would change the formula for determining state aid, he said.

The district could get more money under one scenario or less money in another. Supple said the funding formula is complex, so a solution will be as well.

Because the state aid is still so murky, Sloan said she wanted to make sure the district knew how much money it needed. She said she didn't want to keep asking for more money.

Sommer said the district should ask tax payers to approve an increase early. If the increase is shot down, district leaders would know they would have $4 million less coming in. Sommer said that if the levy did pass, and state funding picked up, the Board like it did in September.

Sommer also pointed out that the issue didn't have to go on the April ballot, but could go before voters in November.

Board director Cynthia Bice said more time was needed before the board asks anyone to do anything. She said after the rollback of the levy in September, it's odd that the Board is discussing keeping the levy just a few months later.

"I feel like we've given a double message already," she said.

Bice wondered why the change in heart—why board members were so concerned about the levy and money it just turned away.

Bice said she needed more time before deciding what steps to take. She said she wanted more information—such as what the state would be doing.

Board members are planning to further discuss the issue at a work session Jan. 5, 2012.

Other Notes

• The Board recognized eight teachers for becoming National Board Certified Teachers. They were: Heather Cox (Central Elementary), Laurie Fay (Howell Central), Mindy Kramer (Bryan Middle), Kathy McMillan (Becky-David Elementary), Michelle Ridlen (Howell Central) Judy Switzer (Howell Central), Julie Tiemeyer, Central Elementary) and Mark Schneider (Howell Central). Schneider was re-certified.
• Supple and the rest of finance department were recognized for the sixth consecutive time with the Meritorious Budget Award.
• The at Francis Howell High School has been fixed, and for less than was budgeted. The delay in construction puts the Howell High School gymnasium project behind schedule and may not be completed by the first semester of the 2012-13 school year.