Preston School District Supplemental Levy
Preston School District believes that in partnership with parents and the community our schools will provide an excellent education and appropriate opportunities for all learners to reach their academic and social potential in a safe and supportive environment. The PSD Board of Trustees voted to approve a resolution for a supplemental levy election on March 8, 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Supplemental Levy?
A supplemental levy is a property tax available to school districts for general operating expenses. It can be used to offset reductions in state and federal funding or strengthen and enhance existing student programs.
How many districts in Idaho utilize a supplemental levy?
In FY 2021, 93 of 115 districts were operating with a supplemental levy. Many of these levies have been in place for numerous years.
Why are so many districts in the state of Idaho operating a supplemental levy?
For several years, Idaho has ranked last or next to last in educational spending per student. For FY 2021, Idaho again had the lowest estimated per-pupil spending of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Supplemental levs have become more widespread in Idaho as state and federal funding has lagged behind what is needed to support students. Districts have used levy funding to pay for textbooks, supplies, technology, salaries, special services, student programs, transportation, etc.
What does the U.S. spend on education per pupil?
In FY 2021, the national average spent was $14,243 per student.
What does Idaho spend per pupil?
In FY 2021, Idaho spent an average of $7,833 per student. Although a large portion of the state budget goes toward education, factors such as the number of school-age children in the state and the number of income-producing adults affect the dollar amount received per pupil.
What does Preston School District spend per pupil?
In FY 2021, PSD spent an average of $5,531 per student.
Why is the Preston School District requesting a supplemental levy?
Preston School District has operated without the aid of a supplemental levy for years. However, the recent economic inflation has resulted in significant increases in labor, insurance, and program costs. Unfortunately, state funding has not increased to match. While some federal funding has increased, these funds are restricted for specific programs and areas and often cannot be utilized where needed most. Preston School District decided to seek additional local funds through a levy to make an investment in the education of the children.
What will the levy be used for?
The levy will fund needed student programs and staffing resources that are currently not funded or are significantly underfunded. These include the following key areas:
Student Interventions, English Language Support, Curriculum & Student Assessments, Classified Staff Wages, Certified Math Coach, Professional Development, and Special Education
How much is the Levy?
The levy is $744,400 each year for two years.
How much will it cost the average homeowner?
The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer on the proposed levy is a tax of $88.16 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value per year, based on current conditions.
Where can I learn more?
Two public informational meetings will be held at 7:00 PM at the Preston High School Library (151 E 2nd S) on Monday, January 31, 2022, and Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at 7:00 PM.
When can I vote?
Tuesday, March 8, 2022, between 8 AM and 8 PM.
Where can I vote?
Franklin County Elections
March 8, 2022 Precincts and Polling Places
Preston No. 1
Pioneer Elementary School
515 South 4th East, Preston
Preston No. 2
Ambulance Building
55 West 1st South, Preston
Preston No. 3
Robinson Building
186 West 2nd North, Preston
Preston No. 4
LDS North Stake Center
310 North State, Preston
Preston No. 5
Larsen-Sant Library
109 South 1st East, Preston
Banida-Winder 6
Winder LDS Church
4400 North 1600 West, Preston
Clifton-Oxford 7
Clifton Community Center
175 West Center, Clifton
Dayton 8
Dahle Performing Arts Center
800 North Westside Highway, Dayton
Fairview 9
Fairview LDS Church
165 West 4800 South, Preston
Franklin 10
Franklin LDS Church
112 East Main, Franklin
Mapleton 11
Mapleton LDS Church
5307 East Cub River Rd, Preston
Mink Creek 12
Mink Creek LDS Church
7316 North Capital Hill Road, Preston
Cleveland 13
Niter LDS Church
Niter Bench Rd, Grace
Treasureton-Riverdale 14
Riverdale LDS Church
3562 North 1600 East, Preston
Weston 15
Weston LDS Church
27 North Center, Weston
Whitney 16
Whitney LDS Church
1444 South 1600 East, Preston
Worm Creek 17
LDS North Stake Center
310 North State, Preston
Mound Valley 18
Niter LDS Church
2060 Niter Bench Rd, Grace
Absentee 19
Franklin County Courthouse
39 West Oneida, Preston
Emergency/Pandemic
Franklin County Courthouse
39 West Oneida, Preston
For Additional Information on voter registration, voting precincts, or absentee ballots, please see https://voteidaho.gov/