Voters will decide on school district levy in August
May 13—The St. Joseph Board of Education took an additional step toward increasing teacher retention and recruitment Monday by approving a new levy proposal to go on the August ballot.
The unanimously approved measure would waive Proposition C, which removed a small property tax, and would then reinstate the property tax, which would amount to about 59 cents per $100 of taxable property. This would free up about $7.1 million for the school district.
Superintendent Gabe Edgar said the proposal is a sustainable plan that can bring about consistent increases that will make the school district more competitive.
"We intend to roll funds out as a flat-rate raise for all staff," Edgar said. "We will start with a flat rate for 2024-25, and then use a percentage moving forward."
If the voters pass the measure, Assistant Superintendent Robert Sigrist suggested that the first year include a flat-rate increase between $2,400 to $2,750 per full-time employee. Part-time employees will be compensated on a pro-rated basis.
The process has now begun with the unanimous proposal of the ballot language, which will now be sent to the County Clerk. The voters will decide upon the proposal in August. If passed, the board will decide the best way to distribute the pay raises in a way that will be sustainable in the long run.
Other agenda items covered in the meeting included a work session continuing discussions about the district's long-range plan, while also addressing future board members' qualifications. Also, the district unanimously selected a company for bond projects for the district.
Charles Christian anchors the evening news for News-Press NOW and also serves as an ordained minister at United Methodist Churches in Union Star and Helena, Missouri. Charles can be reached at charles.christian@newspressnow.com. Follow him on twitter: @NPNowChristian.
