Questions and Answers

Kellogg School District Supplemental Levy Election

May 2, 2006

Question:
Why does the school district need to run a supplemental levy for $1.45M?

The school district needs to run a supplemental levy to support programs that enhance basic education. The state funding only covers the basic programs such as math, English, reading, science, and social studies. In addition, there are some items that are required by the state and federal government, yet they are not funded. (Unfunded mandates.)

Question:
How much has the levy increased from the one passed by voters in 2004?

It has increased by $451,297.

Question:
Why has it increased so much?

The state money that flows to the school district has not increased in the past four years. In the meantime salary, benefits, insurance, utilities, books, paper, travel expenses, etc. continue to increase by significant amounts.

The advisory group that studied the school district needs prior to the board setting the levy amount was asked if they wanted to reduce things that were supported by the supplemental levy. That group did feel it was not in the best interest of students to reduce programs for the students in the Kellogg School District.

In fact, they felt it was important to bring the district up to the level of other school districts by adding a school nurse, a computer teacher at the elementary schools, a half time social studies teacher at KHS to meet the mandates of the No Child Left Behind Act, a technology assistant, and girls� soccer.

All of the additions are designed to keep the educational program in the Kellogg School District better or comparable to other schools throughout the state.

Question:
What will this supplemental levy cost me on my taxes?

Effective January 1, 2006, an increase in the homeowner exemption became effective, benefiting local taxpayers. For example, last year, a $120,000 home with $30,000 of land had a taxable value of $100,000 and this year the same home will only be taxed at $75,000.

Additionally for a low income homeowner there is a �circuit breaker� exemption based on a sliding scale. The following chart shows the homeowners impact for the supplemental levy.

Question:
Are taxpayers in Kellogg taxed at a higher rate than the taxpayers in other Silver Valley School Districts?

NO- taxpayers in Kellogg pay the lowest amount of school taxes in the Silver Valley. The tax rates per thousand dollars of assessed market value in the three school districts for the 2005/2006 school year are: Mullan = $15.86 Wallace = $11.08 and Kellogg = $7.48.

Question:
What was the amount of the Wallace School District�s supplemental levy that passed last month?

The Wallace levy was $ 1.135 million. Remember that Wallace has only 550 students compared to Kellogg�s 1427.

Question:
What are the programs/positions that are supported by the supplemental levy?

� Elementary Science
� Elementary Music
� Elementary P.E.
� Middle School Home Economics
� Middle School Language Arts Teacher
� Middle School Art
� 1 High School P.E. Position
� High School Jr. ROTC
� High School Athletic Director
� Silver Valley Alternative High School
� 2/3 Curriculum Coordinator
� 1 Middle School Secretary
� Middle School In-School Suspension Position
� High School Secretary/Teaching Assistant
� High School In-School Suspension Position
� Elementary Computer Teacher
� � Middle School Computer Teacher
� High School Industrial Technology Teacher
� Class Overload Teaching Assistants
� High School Athletics
� Middle School Athletics
� Music Contests
� Field Trips
� Speech/Drama Activities
� Un-reimbursed Travel
� Girls� Soccer
� � High School Social Studies
� Some Textbook Purchases
� Some Supply Purchases
� Technology Upgrades/Programs
� Full Day Kindergarten
� Staffing for All School Libraries
� School Nurse
� Technology Assistants
� School Resource Officer

Question:
Would these programs be cut if the levy did not pass?

YES � Most of them would be cut.

Question:
Are the teachers and administrators in Kellogg paid more than the average for teachers in other parts of the state?

NO. Our teachers and administrators do not receive higher salaries for their positions as compared to other districts of a similar size in Idaho.

Question:
Is the Kellogg School District the only school district that has to run a supplemental levy to support current programs?

NO. There are a number of school districts in the state that run supplemental levies to support their current programs. The Wallace School District recently passed a $1.135 M supplemental levy.

Question:
Where are the polling places and what are the hours of operation?

Voting will take place at Sunnyside Elementary School, Pinehurst Elementary School, Canyon Elementary School and Smelterville City Hall. The polls will be open from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and non-registered voters may register at any polling place. Voters can vote at any polling place regardless of their place of residence.

Question:
How do I get an absentee ballot?

A person would need to make written application for an absentee ballot on a form provided by the district clerk. A ballot will then be mailed or delivered in person to the individual requesting to vote absentee. The ballot must be picked up by 5:00 p.m. on May 1st and returned by 5:00 p.m. on May 2nd.