BOE Resolution Passed for Two Levy Referendums

The Columbia Heights Public Schools (CHPS) Board of Education, passed a resolution on May 23, asking voters to consider revoking the School District’s existing referendum revenue authorization that the district receives of $308.93 per pupil, from 2005, and replace that authorization with a new amount of $827 per pupil that the district will receive, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2023 for taxes payable in 2024 and applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. CHPS has received the same amount of $308.93 since 2005 (18 years.) The resolution also asks voters to consider renewing the Capital Projects Levy authorization, scheduled to expire in 2024, in the amount of 5.67% times the net tax capacity of the School District. The proposed tax rate is not being increased from the previous year’s rate. All six members of the CHPS Board of Education were present and unanimously passed the resolution. The Operating Levy will provide for direct student instruction, staff salaries and benefits, student transportation and the general costs of running a school building. The Capital Projects Levy provides for maintaining district buildings and grounds, improving safety and security of schools and district technology needs. The two referendum questions will be on the ballot on November 7, 2023.