Pierce City schools seek tax levy increase on ballot

Voters in the Pierce City school district are being asked to vote for an unprecedented 87-cent increase in the district’s operating levy in the April 7 election. The campaign to promote the issue launched last week as organizers plan a push in the last four weeks to sell the issue. 

The district has not seen an operating levy increase in 32 years, when the Missouri General Assembly pushed the public to raise school property tax levies to $2.75 per $100 of assessed property as a minimum. Pierce City nearly passed a levy hike in 2017, but fell 31 votes short of a majority and never tried again. 

The proposal is being called Proposition Eagle Pride. 

The citizens group promoting the issue has no specific chairperson. According to a spokesperson, the group is composed of a group of volunteers from the district. 

One of the volunteers, Brandon Lathem, offered the following comment on the effort: “As a Pierce City alum and a parent with kids in the district, these schools mean a lot to me. The levy rate hasn’t changed since 1994, but the needs of our students, teachers, and facilities have continued to grow. The Proposition Eagle Pride Committee is dedicated to bringing factual information to the community about the proposed tax levy so voters can make informed decisions. I believe this proposal is a necessary step to help keep our schools strong for today’s students and the next generation. At the end of the day, this is about making sure Pierce City students today — and the ones who come after them — have the same opportunities many of us were fortunate to have.”

School board president Kodie O’Hara told board members at their February meeting that state law constrains elected officials from advocating for a campaign issue. Board members can actively provide information only. 

Advocates, including discussions at school board meetings, have stressed the new mandated state minimum wage for teachers of $40,000 would require the district to spend an additional $449,000 a year, since most teachers in the district presently don’t earn that much. State grants helping districts meet that base are considered likely not to be renewed. In addition, facility needs include replacing heating and air conditioning systems that are 20 to 30 years old. Many building roofs are considered to be in fair to poor condition. Some buildings still have single-pane windows that do not efficiently retain temperatures. 

Superintendent Matt Street told the board the district needs an additional $485,000 “just to keep our head above water.” 

Additional needs include general operating expenses, meeting safety requirements, and remaining competitive in the marketplace for finding and retaining quality teachers. 

According to the district’s calculations, the levy increase would cause a taxpayer with a home valued at $150,000 to pay approximately $248 more per year, or $21 per month. A vehicle valued at $15,000 would result in taxes of approximately $43.50 more per year. Taxes on agricultural property valued at $200,000 would rise by $209 a year. 

“This proposal invests directly in students, staff, and the long-term health of Pierce City schools,” stressed the promoters. They noted that operating levy money cannot be used for construction projects, just for expenses to run the schools. 

Superintendent Street offered the following assessment: “I am proud of the education our students receive and the dedicated staff who make it possible. However, our operating levy has not increased since 1994, and rising costs for staff salaries, utilities, transportation, and maintenance are placing significant strain on our resources.

“Proposition Eagle Pride is essential to ensure we can continue attracting and retaining high-quality teachers and staff, maintain strong academic and extracurricular programs, and address aging facilities safely and effectively. Passing this levy will allow us to provide stable, high-quality educational opportunities for all students and safeguard the future of our district.”

A simple majority is required for passage.