Carthage R-9

What is an operating levy?

Operating levies generate funds for the district’s day-to-day management, such as staffing utilities, and supplies.

Official Ballot Language

🔲 Shall the Board of Education of Carthage R-IX School District of Jasper County, Missouri be authorized to eliminate sunset or termination provisions applicable to a portion of its operating tax levy by fully waiving the sales tax rollback to the operating tax levy, and increasing the adjusted operating tax levy ceiling to $3.6000 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation, to fund school programs and general operating costs?

If this proposition is approved, the adjusted operating tax levy of the District is estimated to increase from $3.0536 to $3.6000 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation.

*This ballot measure also renews the district’s Prop C waiver. Only 11 districts out of 518 do not have a prop C waiver. This is necessary to increase the district tax rate.

What would happen if this operating levy is approved?

If voters approve the operating levy increase, Carthage R-9 School District will be able to:

Maintain and strengthen competitive salaries to attract and retain high-quality teachers and staff.
Support essential classroom resources such as updated curriculum, technology, and supplies.
Cover rising operational costs including utilities, transportation, and day-to-day expenses that keep our schools running smoothly.
Ensure continued academic excellence by maintaining reasonable class sizes and offering diverse educational opportunities.
Provide stability for future growth, allowing the district to meet the needs of our expanding student population.

An approved operating levy helps sustain a high-quality learning environment, ensuring students have the resources and support they need to succeed while keeping the district financially responsible and prepared for the future.

How much will this operating levy cost?

If approved, the operating levy would increase from $3.0536 to $3.6000 per $100 of assessed valuation. This means homeowners and property owners would see a tax rate adjustment based on their property’s assessed value.

For example, if your home is assessed at $100,000, the levy increase would result in an estimated additional $54.64 per year (or about $4.55 per month).

Why is this increase necessary?

The district is facing rising costs due to inflation on goods and services and the need to provide competitive wages to attract and retain high-quality educators and staff. Without additional funding, Carthage R-9 may struggle to maintain salaries, resources, and programs essential for student success.

Missouri’s School Funding Challenge

Missouri ranks 50th in the nation in the percentage of state revenue spent on public education, with only 27.8% of its total revenue allocated to schools. Additionally, Missouri schools face a $300 million shortfall at the state level, which impacts funding for local districts like Carthage.

Since 91% of Missouri students attend public schools, it is crucial for local communities to step up and support education when state funding falls short. The proposed levy increase would help bridge the gap, ensuring Carthage schools remain competitive and financially stable.

How will this impact those with a fixed income?

Individuals, age 62 and over, have the opportunity to freeze their assessment on their primary residence by filling out an application with the Jasper County Collector.

Why do we need this operating levy?

Carthage R-9 School District is requesting an operating levy increase to address critical financial needs that impact students, staff, and the overall quality of education. Without this increase, the district faces challenges in maintaining competitive salaries, funding essential programs, and keeping up with rising operational costs.

Key Reasons for the Levy Increase:

Competitive Wages for Educators & Staff – The district must offer competitive salaries to attract and retain high-quality teachers and staff. Without a pay increase, Carthage risks losing experienced educators to surrounding districts offering higher wages.
Rising Costs & Inflation – The cost of goods and services, including classroom supplies, utilities, transportation, and maintenance, continues to rise. Additional funding is needed to offset these increases and maintain school operations.
Missouri’s Low Education Funding – Missouri ranks 50th in the nation in the percentage of state revenue spent on public education (only 27.8% of state revenue goes to schools). With a $300 million shortfall in state funding, local support is essential to sustain and enhance the quality of education in Carthage.
Financial Stability for the Future – This levy ensures the district remains financially responsible and prepared to meet the needs of a growing student population. Without additional funding, difficult decisions may be required that could impact staffing, programs, and student opportunities.

By approving this levy, the district can continue providing a strong, stable, and competitive learning environment for all students, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed.

Starting Pay Comparison:

State Minimum $40,000

Carthage $41,000

Neosho $43,250

Joplin $44,700

Webb City $45,250

Increased Operational Costs since 2020:

Bus Costs ⬆️53%

Janitorial Supplies ⬆️27%

White Paper ⬆️40%

Energy ⬆️36%

Food ⬆️48%

Minimum Wage ⬆️60%