The Stephen-Argyle School District recently held a vote on November 2 for a new Operating Referendum. The proposed Operating Referendum is to renew the current $1,071 per pupil voter-approved levy and increase the levy by $700 per pupil over ten years, depending on enrollment and the school’s needs.
The referendum passed on a vote of 360-115, and Stephen-Argyle Superintendent Chris Mills is very pleased with the outcome. “We just had the one question for the voters, and we’re very pleased with how it turned out,” said Mills. “We had 75% approval from the two communities and almost the same yes or no from each community as well. So, it’s very balanced between the two communities and good to see that they’re in support of this.”
The referendum focuses on day-to-day expenses, and Mills says implementing the new one will help stabilize the school district’s operations. “This referendum will stabilize all our operations,” said Mills. “The money generated from here is focused on day-to-day expenditures, different programs that we’re running, and making sure we can keep the staff that we already have in place.”
Mills also discussed when the referendum will go into place. “It will go into place on January 1, 2022, as our previous referendum, which was eight years, is set to expire at the end of this year,” said Mills. “That’s why it was important to have this vote and get approval on this now so that it can start at the beginning of the fiscal year in 2022.”
The referendum may not increase taxes for the school district’s taxpayers in 2022, as it will only be in place for the school to use if necessary. The referendum will help prevent the school from digging into its savings if it needs money. The belief is that it will ensure a good quality curriculum while keeping the school and communities thriving.
Mills again stated the school is thrilled to be moving forward with the referendum beginning in 2022, and the district is very thankful for the community’s support. “Again, we’re just really pleased to have the community support for this,” said Mills. “It’s good to know we have our financial well-being taken care of for the next ten years. I think that’s a positive thing for not only the school but the community as well.”
