Levies are for learning!
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2012 Finley Levy Facts:
- The Finley School District has a Two-Year Replacement Maintenance and Operations Levy on the February 14th Ballot.
- The two-year levy will replace the current levy approved in February 2010. This is not a new tax.
- Since the capital projects bond was paid in December 2011, Finley taxpayers have seen a savings on their 2012 property statement.
- Money from the levy will account for about 20% of the district’s General Fund budget.
- Finley School District must pass their levy in order to qualify for State “Levy Equalization” funds. These funds account for about 5% of the district’s General Fund budget.
- The levy supports essential programs and maintenance in the District that is inadequately funded by the State.
- If this levy fails, approximately $2.3 million will need to be cut from the budget for the 2012-2013 school year.
Collection Year Assessed Value Amount:
2013 - $1,700,000 / 2014 - $1,750,000
Approximate Levy Rate/$1,000:
2013 - $4.32 / 2014 - $4.36
What Does the Money Fund?
- Teaching materials
- Library books
- Technology
- Maintaining teaching and support staff
- Extra-curricular activities
- Athletics
- Maintenance of our facilities and grounds
Levy Questions and Answers
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Q: What is a maintenance and operations levy?
A: A levy pays for day-to-day educational programs and operations and makes up the difference between the cost of educating Finley’s students and the funding received from the state and federal government.
Q: What does the maintenance and operations levy help pay for?
A: The M&O levy maintains current district programs. It helps fund:
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Lower class sizes
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Accelerated Reading Books and Tests
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WASL Academies
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Finley First Steps
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Technology Updates for Classrooms
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Textbooks, Library Materials and Curriculum Updates
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Athletics at the High School and Middle School
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Activities – Knowledge Bowl, ASB, Honor Society, Drama, Annual
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Salaries for Coaches and Advisors
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Bus transportation costs to and from school
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Bus travel for Athletics and Activities
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Some teacher and paraeducator staff
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Librarians, Counselors, Music and PE Specialists
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Heat, lights, custodial supplies and equipment
Q: Is the maintenance and operations levy a new tax?
A: No. This levy replaces the levy that expires in December 2012, which was approved by voters in 2010. This is not a new tax.
The capital projects bond (passed almost 12 years ago) that was approved to remodel Finley Middle School and River View High School was paid in full in December 2011. In 2011 the Bond rate was $1.08 per $1,000 of assessed property. Finley School District taxpayers will see a savings of the amount when they receive their 2012 property statement.
 Q: How much is the maintenance and operations levy currently costing me?
A: The levy rate is estimated at $3.76 per $1,000 of assessed property value. It is approximately $.01 less than the estimated current assessment ($3.77) under the expiring levy.
Q: What is the maintenance and operations levy request for 2013 and 2014?
A: The levy request is $1,700,000 for 2013 and $1,750,000 for 2014. The estimated levy rate for 2013 is $4.32 and for 2014 is $4.36. Reasons Why We See An Increase Is Needed In Levy Funding.
Q: How often does Finley School District run a maintenance and operations levy?
A: Finley School District runs a replacement levy every two years. If approved, the collection of this levy would continue in calendar years 2013 and 2014, replacing the levy that expires in December 2012.
Q: Which students are impacted with programs funded from the maintenance and operations levy?
A: Every one of our students. Levy dollars fund our day-to-day educational programs such as textbooks, technology, athletics, activities, coaches, advisors, transportation, heat, lights, custodial supplies and equipment that affect all students in the district.
If you have questions, contact Superintendent Lance Hahn at the Finley School District Office at 509-586-3217.
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