LOCAL OPTION TAX TO RESTORE SOME STAFF AND STUDENT PROGRAMS
QUESTION: Shall District levy up to $1.50 per $1000 of assessed value annually for three years beginning 2003-2004 for operations? This Measure may cause property taxes to increase more than three percent.
SUMMARY: This Measure may be passed only at an election with at least a 50 percent voter turnout.
The downturn in the economy has caused the Legislature to reduce basic operating funds for all Oregon schools. The Beaverton School District is estimating a funding shortfall of $30-35 million for 2003-2004. Local option taxes would be used to restore some staff positions and student education programs. Without the additional revenue, the District will have to reduce staff and programs. This Measure authorizes Beaverton School District 48J, in Washington and Multnomah Counties, Oregon to levy a property tax in the amount of up to $1.50 per $1000 of assessed value each year for three years.
An estimate of the total amount to be raised each fiscal year is:
2003-2004 - $17,890,000
2004-2005 - $19,860,000
2005-2006 - $21,850,000
The total amount of money to be raised by this Measure is estimated to be $59,600,000.
The estimated tax cost for this measure is an ESTIMATE ONLY based on the best information available from the county assessors of Washington County and Multnomah County at the time of the estimate.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
The Beaverton School District Board is seeking approval of a 3- year local option levy to restore some staff positions and student education programs. If approved, the levy would raise approximately $17 million per year for 3 years, for an estimated total of $59.6 million.
The District estimates a funding shortfall of $30-35 million for the 2003-2004 school year. The Budget Committee has identified staff and program reductions including: reading teachers, PE teachers, librarians, music teachers, instructional aides and administrators, as well as athletics and activities and other student education programs.
The downturn in Oregon’s economy has led to this shortfall. Before 1990, local property taxes were the major source of school funding. Now 60 percent of school budgets come from the state’s general fund. Seventy-four percent of Oregon’s general fund comes from personal income taxes. During an economic downturn, income taxes fluctuate more quickly and dramatically than other taxes. This leaves schools particularly vulnerable to funding losses.
The Beaverton School District receives an average of $4,617 per weighted average student, $62 below the state average. This translates to a nearly $2.5 million difference in funding.
Proceeds to Restore Portion of Anticipated Losses
If this measure passes, revenue will help the district:
• Restore a portion of the anticipated losses
• Restore some teaching positions
• Restore some student education programs
• Maintain quality education
Beaverton Students Perform Well
Beaverton students outperform their Oregon peers in statewide tests and SAT scores. The District has many award winning programs and honored teachers. Several Beaverton schools have been rated exceptional by the State of Oregon.
Estimate Your Costs
It would cost the property taxpayer up to an estimated $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value per year over three years. Property taxes will vary from property to property . To estimate your tax, please go to www.beavton.k12.or.us and click on local option.
County to Mail Ballots on May 2, 2003
This measure will appear on the May 20, 2003 ballot. It is a vote-by-mail election, and ballots will be mailed to all registered voters on May 2, 2003. The double majority requirement will apply in this election, meaning there must be at least a 50 percent voter turnout and a majority of those ballots have to be in favor of the levy.
To be eligible to vote you must be registered by April 29, 2003. Completed ballots must reach the county election office by 8 p.m. May 20, 2003. Ballots postmarked May 20 will not count.
Submitted by:
James Carnes
Interim Superintendent