The North Santiam School District has proposed a Local Option tax measure that is intended to preserve programs and provide textbooks, library books, technological equipment, software, and other classroom supplies. In addition, it will fund a portion of the priority one maintenance and repair projects of current facilities. The funds will also be used to purchase supplies, uniforms, equipment, and transportation for co-curricular activities.

WHY:

Existing state funding levels have caused reductions and/or elimination of funds spent for classroom supplies and equipment, technology equipment and software. There have also been reductions in the co-curricular budgets for purchase of uniforms, supplies, equipment, and transportation. Further, the district will use the proceeds to address deferred maintenance projects within the current facilities. The allotment for each area is as follows: Technology-$100,000; Class Supplies and Equipment-$100,000; Textbooks-$125,000; Maintenance Projects-$100,000; and Co-Curricular-$75,000.

WHEN:

The Local Option measure will be on the November 5, 2002 ballot. This is a mail-in election. Ballots will be mailed beginning October 18, 2002 and are due at the County Clerk’s office no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day. To be eligible to vote you must register by October 15, 2002. Registration materials are available at the County Clerk’s office and at each of the North Santiam Schools.

HOW MUCH:

This Local Option measure would raise $500,000 each year in a three-year period for the operation of schools. This will cost property tax payers an average of $.75 per thousand of property value. Taxes for each property owner will depend on the difference between the real market value and assessed value of each property.

Submitted by,

B.J. Hollensteiner, Superintendent