Finances

The district has worked hard to keep the tax increases as low as possible. See the past increases here. For an explanation of how property taxes are calculated, and the "2% Cap", click here. Passage of all three referendum questions equates to less than $395/year on the average house.

Question 1: Infrastructure Costs - Everything you see on all of these pages, except for the New Gym and field improvements at MHS. Why? The board divided items into "wants" and "needs". That was something the board feels the schools "want," but it doesn't rise to the level of the other items in terms of "needs."

Question 2: Operating Costs - Grade realignment, additional staff for Moss School (teachers, a counselor, an administrator), energy costs, and buses, for example. (This must pass, otherwise nothing from Question 1 will get completed. Why? The district would not build new spaces if we cannot hire staff for new spaces.)

Question 3: A New Gym and new turf on the football field at MHS - (This question can only pass if Question 1 and 2 pass. Why? Because this is a "want" more than a "need." The priority is to create new classroom and cafeteria spaces for our crowded schools, and to fix essential infrastructure. If this question fails, Questions 1 and 2 could pass.)

We are prepared for unexpected situations:

The district can only spend what voters authorize them to spend. Additionally, bond money cannot be spent on things other than referendum projects. The estimates are made by professionals with decades of experience in school construction. If needed, the district rebids the project. Our team has worked through major construction projects and have dealt with things that don't go according to plan. Additionally, the cost estimates include the most recent inflationary numbers and interest rates. Contingency costs are built into the overall cost estimate, amounting to approximately 10% of the budget. This is for things that arise that may not have been planned for. Adjustments to the plans can be made if necessary. There will be a public bidding process if the referendum is approved. The district is required to accept the lowest responsible bidder. If costs are lower than the estimate, then the money is used to reduce the debt, and therefore reduce the taxes.