Island Trees Schools Seeks 2.29 Percent Tax Levy Increase

The Island Trees School District is asking voters to approve a 2.29 percent tax levy increase for its 2013-14 budget.  

Voters will hit the polls Tuesday, May 21 to vote on the $59,177,477 school budget, which is 2.16 percent higher than the $57,925,136 last year. 

“…the Board of Education faced a tremendous gap due to a significant increase in state mandated pension contributions, $1.4 million, for the upcoming year,” the district said in a newsletter. “Despite the financial challenges, the Board was able to develop a school budget which preserves our quality programs and services in these unprecedented economic times.”

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The budget is made up of three components: Program ($46.7 million, 79.07 percent), Capital ($7.34 million, 12.42 percent) and Administrative ($5.03 million, 8.51 percent).

The annual school tax increase per household is expected to be about $131 annually, according to the newsletter.  

Barbara Medellin and Kristen Daum are incumbents running unopposed for two school board seats.  

A budget hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 7 at Stephen E. Karopczyc School, with voter registration taking place the same day from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the District Clerk’s Office.

Polls will be open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.. at the Michael F. Stokes School on Tuesday, May 21.  

Visit the Island Trees SD website to view the full budget newsletter.