Supplemental Levy

Levy 23

DISTRICT MESSAGE

For more than a decade, the Kimberly community has supported funding for educational services contributing to KSD student success. Through the approvals of these two-year supplemental maintenance and operations levies, Kimberly residents have helped provide funding for teacher and staff salaries, benefits, as well as essential services such as transportation and food services. This funding has enabled the District to maintain the level of educational services families have come to expect. 

With the current two-year supplemental levy expiring in June 2024, the Board voted on August 17 to place a measure on the November ballot, allowing voters to determine if the supplemental levy should be renewed through June 2026. 

It is important to clarify that the District is not seeking an increase in the annual supplemental levy amount of $800,000 per year for two years. The proposed amount remains unchanged from the supplemental levy supported by voters in 2020 and 2022.  

GET THE FACTS

What is the total supplemental levy amount and how will the funds be spent?

  • The total supplemental levy amount is $800,000 per year for two years.  
  • District officials prioritize funding teachers and support staff and view their roles as essential in providing quality educational services to our students.  
  • The renewed supplemental levy will fund instructional and support staff salaries and benefits that are NOT covered by State allocations. 
  • Salaries and benefits make up 77.66% of Districts general fund budget.  
  • Supplemental levy funds account for 5% of the District’s total budget. 

How are these positions being funded now?

  • Teacher and other support staff positions are currently funded with a mixture of state and supplemental levy funds.

Which schools in the District receive supplemental levy funds?

All six schools within the District receive supplemental levy funds to pay staff.  

  • Kimberly High School
  • Kimberly Middle School
  • Kimberly Elementary School
  • Stricker Elementary School
  • Kimberly Preschool
  • RISE Charter School

As a homeowner, how will this affect my property taxes?

  • Asking the community to decide on the supplemental levy in advance allows the District appropriate time to plan and create the budget.  
  • The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer of the proposed supplemental levy is a tax of $68.00 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions.   
  • If the supplemental levy is approved, homeowners will see the supplemental levy rate and amount on their 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 property tax assessment statements from Twin Falls County.

Doesn't the District receive funds from the State of Idaho?

  • The State allocates funds for a certain number of teachers and staff; however, the allocation does not fully cover the District’s compensation costs. 
  • State allocations provide funding for 109 District staff. The Kimberly School District has 118 staff creating a funding gap from what is provided by the state.  

Do other school districts request supplemental levy funds?

  • Yes, More than 80% of Idaho districts use levies to fund the gap between actual expenses and State allocations., 

Source: https://www.idahoednews.org/news/this-year-taxpayers-will-shell-out-a-record-596-1-million-for-education-bonds-and-levies/ 

How does a supplemental levy work and how is it different from a bond?

It is important to understand that the District will continue to serve the community as efficiently as possible with available resources.  

Why are we voting for the supplemental levy now?

  • Without the $800,000 to fill the teacher and support staff compensation gap, the Board would evaluate class sizes, staffing levels, extracurricular programs, and/or other services.
  • Asking the community to decide on the supplemental levy in advance allows the District appropriate time to plan and create the budget.  

 

VOTING DATES & LOCATIONS

When and how can I vote? 

Citizens over the age of 18 are eligible to vote in the November 7, 2023, election and must be registered with the Twin Calls County Clerk. Early voting or absentee voting are also available. Dates and deadlines appear below: 

  • October 23 – November 3, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  
  • Location: County West, 630 Addison Avenue West, 1st floor, Early Voting Room.  
  • Kimberly 1 & 3: Crossroads United Methodist Church, 131 Syringa Avenue 
  • Kimberly 2 & 4: Kimberly Church of the Nazarene, 3550 E 3750 N.  

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK

Take the KSD Community Survey - We are interested in your feedback on important district topics.

To share your feedback, visit http://bit.ly/43B5bKs

 

QUESTIONS?

Who can I contact if I have more questions? 

 

Disclosure:  

The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer on the proposed supplemental levy is a tax of $68.00 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions. The proposed supplemental levy replaces an existing supplemental levy that expires on June 30, 2024, and that currently costs $68.00 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value. Therefore, if the proposed supplemental levy is approved, the tax per $100,000 of taxable assessed value is not expected to change and will be in place for two years.