Questions and answers

1. Voters approved of a 20-cent increase in April 2017, which was projected to protect B-2 for about 10 years. How much longer do we have?

The 20-cent increase was projected to keep the district eligible for B-2 Heavily Impacted Aid for about 10 years, but the district included Prop C revenue as part of the local revenue (as it had been for 20 years); however, the Department of Education has since declared that Prop C may no longer be counted as part of the local tax effort. In order to keep B-2 funding, a potential 20-cent tax levy may be needed in the future to make up for the Prop C shortfall.

2. What happens if we ever lose B-2 Heavily Impacted Aid?

The district would not be able to expand preschool opportunities and help meet this community need, nor would it be able to build an elementary school. Without B-2 Heavily Impacted Aid, the district will have higher pupil to teacher ratios, future teacher and staff raises will be in jeopardy and some programs will be eliminated. Construction and upkeep would be significantly delayed and the district would need to ask for costly general obligation bonds to construct and maintain facilities.

3. What is the difference between Basic Impact and B-2 Heavily Impacted Aid?

Basic Impact Aid is provided to the district in lieu of taxes not paid by Federal facilities and is not affected by the local tax levy. However, to be eligible for B-2 Heavily Impacted Aid, local taxpayers must make a “reasonable” local tax effort. Fewer than 25 school districts in the United States qualify for B-2.

4. What is the district’s current tax levy rate, and how does it compare to other districts?

• Waynesville’s tax levy is $2.95.
• The State of Missouri’s average school tax levy is $4.19.