Dayton School Board Okays Capital, M&O Levy Measures

DAYTON—During their regular meeting on Dec. 2, the Dayton School Board heard from Superintendent Doug Johnson about the proposed capital projects levy and replacement M&O levy. The directors approved resolutions for both levies, to appear on the February, 2016 ballot for voter approval.

Johnson said the current $ 1,300,000 M&O Levy covers such items as materials and supplies, operating costs, maintenance, salaries for teachers and administrators beyond state support, athletics and activity costs, food services support, salary for support personnel positions beyond state support, and payroll benefits for above described positions. It also provides for the cost of the Career and Technical Education program.

The proposed replacement M&O Levy includes an increase in the levy amount from $1.3 million to $1.46 million, to be collected in 2017 through 2020.

According to Johnson, additional funds from the levy would support costs involved in hiring a K-12 school counselor, give increased funding for maintenance and repairs, and counter the effect of inflation associated with personnel costs, supplies, and other operating expenses.

Johnson said the 2017 estimated rate for the proposed M&O levy is $2.03/1,000 of assessed value. This compares to a rate of $2.02/1,000 in 2015 for the current $1.3 million levy.

In 2018 the estimated rate is $2.09/1,000. In 2019 the estimated rate is $2.15/1,000, and the 2020 estimated rate is $2.21/1,000.

According to Johnson, cost estimates for the replacement M&O Levy are conservative. He said they are based on the potential change in the county’s assessed property value due to tax base from the wind turbines. Utility property appreciates and depreciates at different rates, and is determined by the state, he said.

The current estimates reflect value changes as turbines age, he explained. He said, estimates are thought to be the largest change possible, but he hopes the actual cost could be lower.

Johnson said that in 2008 the District proposed an M&O levy which was approved with the estimated cost of $2.25/1,000, but the actual cost per thousand never reached that rate, and taxpayers paid a lower amount of $2.02/1,000 in 2015.

Johnson also discussed the Capital Projects Levy at the school board meeting. He said the levy includes $75,000 budgeted for ongoing technology improvements. This portion replaces the current technology levy which expires next year.

Johnson said $437,500 would be collected for 2017 at an estimated rate of $0.61/1000. $437,500 would be collected for 2018 at an estimated rate of $0.63/1000. $75,000 would be collected for 2019 at an estimated rate of $0.11/1000, for technology only, and $75,000 would be collected for 2020 at an estimated rate of $0.11/1000, for technology only.

Johnson said the Capital Projects Levy would address facilities improvements some of which are updating the communication system, making roof repairs, and installing exterior doors.

The school board approved some reductions and cuts from the original list of projects, and more cuts may be made after current repair costs are fully known. Some of the funds for the projects will come from the increase in M&O funding, Johnson said.

Athletic combine with Waitsburg

A discussion about a possible athletic combine for football was held on Nov. 24 between representatives of the Waitsburg School District, and the Dayton School District, according to Johnson.

He explained that both schools have experienced declining enrollment with smaller numbers of students in athletic programs.

Johnson said that two years ago the Dayton School District moved to eight-man football, due to low turnout. Since that time participation has not increased enough to return to eleven-man competition, and a combination with Waitsburg could solve the problem, at least for the next few years, he explained.

Johnson said there are lots of challenges to work out before a combine can be made. He pointed to issues around transportation, scheduling games and practices, personnel, and even the location of homecoming, and which uniforms the team will wear.

Johnson said the school representatives feel it is important to continue the conversation about combining football programs. He said that Waitsburg Secondary Principal and HS Athletic Director Stephanie Wooderchak, Dayton High School Principal Paul Shaber, and Athletic Director Heather Clarys will meet with both school boards in January for further discussion.

Johnson said action could be taken by each of the school boards and results known sometime in February.

The District 9 Leagues would need to approve the plan, and the plan would need final approval from the WIAA, he said.

Johnson also said other sports might benefit by combining, pointing to cross county track, soccer, wrestling, and golf.

“We have to remember that the activities are for our students, and we should do nothing to prevent opportunities for kids,” said Johnson.

School Board Vacancies

At the same meeting the school board accepted a resignation from Michelle McLeary for Board position # 2, and declared the position vacant. The board hopes to identify an applicant, and appoint someone to the position, at the December 16 meeting.

The board also accepted a resignation from Marchand Hovrud for Board position # 3 and appointed Dan Butler to that position. Johnson said Butler will serve a two-year term, and that he could run for re-election in November of 2017.

Katie Leid was also sworn in at the outset of the meeting. Leid’s position is the at-large position formerly occupied by Joe Huether.