>>>April 8, 2025 Levy Transfer/Increase Presentation (Video)<<<
>>>April 8, 2025 Levy Transfer/Increase Presentation (Slides)<<<
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is a Levy Transfer?
A: A levy transfer allows the district to move funds from the debt service fund to the operating fund. This would help provide competitive compensation for employees, ensuring we can attract and retain high-quality faculty and staff, all without changing the current tax rate or impacting debt payments. It's a way to use the resources the community has already provided in a way that most effectively impacts students and staff.
Q: What is the district asking to transfer?
A: We are asking to transfer $0.70 from Fund 3 (Debt Service) to Fund 1 (Operating). We will phase this over 3 years.
- $0.30 in 2025
- $0.20 in 2026
- $0.20 in 2027
Q: What is the district asking for an increase?
A: We are asking for a $0.60 total increase over the course of 3 years.
- $0.20 in 2025
- $0.20 in 2026
- $0.20 in 2027
Q. When is the last time Oak Grove Schools have asked for a levy increase?
A: Over 40 years. Last levy increase was the mid 1980s.
Q: What is the difference between a levy and a bond?
A: Bonds and levies provide schools with funds that must be used for specific purposes.
- Bonds are used for capital improvement projects such as new construction, building repairs, and equipment.
- Levies fund the district’s operating costs, including salaries, benefits, and attracting and retaining staff.
Q: Why does the district have the need for a Levy Transfer/Increase?
A: Oak Grove used to get 55% of revenue from the state and that has dropped to <40% over the years, causing local schools across the state to rely more on local taxes to remain in operation.
Q: What does it take to pass a levy transfer?
A: A levy transfer/increase must have just above 50% in yes votes (a simple majority).
Q: Why does the district prioritize staff compensation with the levy transfer?
A: Competitive compensation is critical to attracting and retaining high-quality educators and staff, directly impacting the quality of education for students. Currently, surrounding schools pay more than Oak Grove (Odessa, Grain Valley, Blue Springs).
Q: What happens if both the levy transfer/increase passes?
A: The district can increase pay of our teachers and staff to retain our AMAZING teachers and recruit new staff.
Q: Didn’t the passing of Lottery and Gambling in Missouri give more money to schools?
A: No, these funds are earmarked to schools, but not as additional or new money. They are funds used to replace reallocated money from the state funding.
Taxpayer Information
Q: How is the tax levy calculated on my property?
A: Taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of your home and personal property, as determined by the county assessor. For example, a home with an assessed value of $100,000 would generate taxes based on that amount, not the market value.
Q: What is the difference between my assessed value and the market value of my property?
A: Market Value: This is the price a realtor might list your home for, or the amount you could expect to sell it for in the current housing market. It reflects market conditions, comparable property sales, and other factors.
Assessed Value: This value is calculated by your county for property tax purposes and is typically lower than the market value. The taxable value is determined by multiplying your property’s assessed value by a specific assessment ratio, which varies based on your property classification: Agricultural: 12%, Residential: 19%, Commercial: 32%.
Q: How will the levy transfer/increase initiative impact my property taxes?
Q: How can I be sure the funds will be used as promised?
A: The district follows strict state regulations and yearly financial audits to ensure all funds are spent as approved by voters. Updates on progress and spending will be shared with the community regularly.
Q. If I am a senior citizen who has filled out an application for the Senior Property Tax Credit Program, does this increase affect my property tax?
A: NO, that freeze would include this and any future local increase. This program gives a credit on future years' tax bills that essentially freezes their property taxes on their primary residence to the tax bill amount from the year of application/eligibility. To qualify, taxpayers need to be 62 years of age or older, be the property owner, or have a legal or equitable interest in the home, is liable for the payment of real property taxes on the home, and occupy the property as their primary residence. The year of application and eligibility establishes the base tax year amount, and credits appear in the years following. Link for more information on this topic.
Election Logistics
Q: When is the election?
A: Election Day is Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Q: Who can vote on the Levy Transfer/Levy Increase Question?A: Anyone who lives within the Oak Grove School District boundaries will see this combined question on their ballot. We have residents in Jackson, Lafayette, and Johnson Counties.
Q: Where do I vote?
A: Your voter card, sent by the County Board of Elections, will provide this information. If you cannot find your card, please contact the Board of Elections:
- Jackson County: 816-325-4600
- Lafayette County: 660-259-4315
- Johnson County: 816-858-4400
If you cannot vote in person on April 8, 2025, you can request an absentee ballot.
Q: What are the No Excuse Absentee voting dates?
A: During the two weeks prior to the election, you may vote a no-excuse absentee ballot in person at a location designated by your local election authority. When voting an absentee ballot in person, you must show an acceptable form of photo ID.
Q: When is the last day to register to vote?
A: The last day to register to vote is Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Click HERE for information on how to register to vote.
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