District to seek local option tax to fund schools

In what they hope is a "clear message," the Sisters School Board voted unanimously on June 3 to ask taxpayers for more money for schools.

Known as "local option," state law allows schools to request additional funding through the ballot. The Sisters School District has been successful twice before in passing local option, providing about $1 million per year over the last eight years.

Without the money, major cuts would fall upon the schools, mostly in staffing.

The board will later determine how much money they will ask for, how many years the local option will be in effect, and they will decide when to present the matter to voters: this November, or March or May of next year.

"What I would like to do tonight is pretty singular," said Board Chair Mike Gould at the June 3 meeting. "(I think we) first pass a resolution so we can be public that we are going forward. Then bring back to the July meeting the length, when it should come up (for a vote), who would lead the campaign, etc. These will come in future board actions. But tonight we should send a clear message we are going to move forward."

Glen Lasken then moved "that this board proceed with all necessary steps to reenact ... local option during the course of the following year."

Board member Jeff Smith said "I think (local option) is essential for the well-being of the children in the school district. Local option represents 10 percent of all funds, and the (local option) funds all go into the classroom. We hire teachers and buy books and do the kinds of things that make our education in Sisters better than it would otherwise be."

Smith went on to say that he felt the district should put local option on the ballot this November.

"I strongly urge (we) go in November for lots of reasons, most important of which it gives us additional time to plan for the use of those moneys. If we go in March or May, we have less budgetary time. Turnout will be good (in November), I don't think we will be lost in the larger election..."

Lasken seemed to agree, and added that he would be willing to make a motion for a November election, to ask for the same rate as in years past and again ask that the tax extend for four years. But he wanted to take it in steps.

"Let's start with should we do it, ... see if we have a clear consensus and eliminate doubt," Lasken said.

Tom Dumolt said he was in favor, but wanted to turn over some of the details to the task force that would be formed to pass the measure.

Christine Jones said "I am deeply grateful to the community for passing this over the last eight years." She was in favor, noting how essential the local option had become for the schools.

Mike Gould said "I think about books, maintenance, where we would be with all sorts of things (without local option). It helps the district achieve its goals."

At the meeting on July 2, which will be held at the Tollgate Recreation Center, the board will decide when to go for the vote, how long the tax will be in place and for how much.

At that time, the board expects there will be a political action committee made up of interested community members to take over the details of the campaign. Board members may be members of the committee, but it is separate from the official duties of the board. The committee will make its recommendation to the board, which will authorize the local option with details to be placed on the ballot.