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

🔲 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. 

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.

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.