Board looks at 'local option' taxes for schools

The Sisters School Board is poised to decide whether to ask taxpayers for a "local option" to fund schools. The board discussed taking a tax measure to voters at their meeting on May 6, but made no decision.

State law allows school districts to supplement state school funding with limited additional local tax dollars approved by voters.

Local option has been funding schools by about $1.1 million for many years. It is often pointed to when discussing local support for excellence in Sisters schools. Without the money, cuts to teaching staff and programs would be severe.

Local option dollars are used for operational expenses, according to Superintendent Elaine Drakulich.

Board Chair Mike Gould emphasized that the board was not advocating at that time local option nor discussing much in the way of details:

"What (this discussion) is not intended for is anything beyond a quick general polling of the board whether individually (we feel) it is in the best interest of the district to renew local option ... There is no sense in putting together a plan if we are not interested in pursuing it. (Let's) spend a couple of minutes finding out where each of is on a local option."

The primary point of discussion is probably whether to ask voters for the money in November, March or May, the final amount, and for how long the special tax would remain in effect. Local option taxes can extend for three, four or five years before coming back up for a vote.

In the past, concerns have been expressed about asking voters for money at about the same time property tax statements hit mailboxes. Vice-chair Glen Lasken also brought up a question of asking for the tax during a vote that would include the national election.

Of the money in particular, Lasken said, "I think that the eight years of local option have been enormously beneficial and feel very strongly we should ask voters to continue that."

Jeff Smith said, "For me it is a slam dunk. All the dollars go into the classrooms. I think it is essential for the good quality of education we have here (in Sisters)."

Tom Dumolt said his observation was that the local option money resulted in "decreased class sizes," and he was in favor.

Christine Jones was specific: "It's a million dollars per year. That is the equivalent of our entire elementary school that we would have to fire if we did not have local option. I think it is extremely (important)."

Chair Gould concluded the discussion by saying "it is unfortunate we have to consider this (as opposed to having school funded through more regular channels). I am very appreciative of the community we live in, as the community has supported us twice in asking for this." 

But he noted that local option is slated to make up nine percent of the annual budget next year. (The amount for next year is covered under the last local option vote, which expires after next year's budget). The pain of making a nine percent reduction makes it imperative to go ahead, he stated.

A committee to do an analysis of what the local option would look like at different funding levels and duration, and when to go to a vote, will be convened after the board makes its decision on whether to go forward at its next meeting on May 20. 

The option, if it passes or fails, will not directly impact the budget for the 2008-2009 school year. It is revenue that would be received for the 2009-10 through 2011-2012 school year or longer, depending on what form of local option is passed.