01/25/2020
In case you missed it in the voter’s pamphlet, here is the “argument for” the levy, written by a group from the levy committee. Vote YES for Conway School!
“Inadequacy in state and federal academic funding has been demonstrated by recent county-wide increases in local school levies. Despite these deficiencies, Conway has consistently retained one of the lowest education tax rates in the county. At the current levy rate, taxes for a $400,000 property are $600; with the new proposed rates, taxes would only increase by $40 in the first year, and $60 in the second year.
This minimally increased rate was determined after careful assessment by a committee of community members, parents, and school employees in an effort to best balance necessities for the school and financial impact on taxpayers. Committee members then sat in on school board meetings and witnessed the fiscally conservative approach and intricate considerations that were taken to assess the school’s budget and deficiencies that the incoming levy could rectify. The consensus was that this small increase for taxpayers would have a significant effect on the quality of education at Conway. Managed responsibly, these levy funds would enable the district to continue to support our students with competitive STEM curriculum, essential safety and emergency equipment, additional staff for classrooms (including before/after school academic support), and sports team development.
Voting yes for Conway School will foster the superior education and enrichment of our future community leaders at a minimal cost to our taxpayers. Investing in our school ensures the continuation of our reputation for outstanding education, drawing in desirable new residents and bringing back those who were raised here.”