But this request is different than the district’s three previous attempts, school officials say.
The district is seeking a smaller amount – 5.9 mills – compared to the previous levy issues that sought at least 6.7 mills. Voters rejected the most recent request of a 6.7-mill levy in November with nearly 53% of voters against it.
This attempt – Issue 13 on the May 4 ballot – also comes with the pledge from school officials that they would not seek any new tax dollars during the duration of the five-year levy if the 5.9-mill levy is approved.
While there is no formal opposition to Issue 13, residents who have expressed opposition to the past levy attempts have cited various factors for their decision including a general disdain for property tax increases, an inability to pay higher taxes, distrust of district leadership and disapproval of the district s handling of the teachers strike in 2016.
The next meetings are from 6 to 7 p.m. on:
Thursday at Louisville Elementary
March 25 at Louisville High School
Board of Education members and district officials received only a handful of questions from people in attendance. None of the questions were critical of the district or the levy request. Rather, they were supportive in nature.
For example, Matt Sibila wanted to know how he could help campaign for the levy. He and his wife have a daughter in the district. If you don t have a good school district, that messes everything up, Sibila said after the meeting. People don t want to move there. Property values don t go up. And your kids are not learning how they should be.