EDITOR:
A question on the April 2 municipal election ballot for Platte County R-3 School District patrons presents us with an amazing opportunity, so long as enough voters believe in the available facts.
As cited in informational materials, the district needs permission to adjust the allocation of existing tax funds through one simple change and a Prop C waiver — both done without an increase in the overall levy. That’s right. The tax rate levy would remain unchanged. This is not a tax increase.
However, the benefits for the district could be dramatic.
The purpose of the ballot question is to allow the district to improve the pay scale for teachers and bus drivers, librarians and counselors and everyone in between. Parents responding to district surveys have consistently placed a top priority on the recruitment and retention of talented education professionals, who play such a vital role in the development and success of our children.
However, the current tax collections go into four different funds with a limited amount going toward operational needs, like payroll and benefits.
That’s what makes this question so important. With enough yes votes, the district can continue to make appropriate and sufficient payments on existing debt but taking some of the money currently restricted to that particular use and apply the approved amount to operations. To put it in more common terms: imagine having a certain percentage of your paycheck being restricted to making a monthly mortgage or rent payment, and every month, you are paying more than required. At the same time, you are struggling to buy enough groceries, clothes and other essentials.
That’s where Platte County R-3 sits — unnecessarily paying extra toward debt while ranking behind most peer districts in the area in pay for teachers and other professionals. Please join me in voting yes to change the dynamic and put Platte County R-3 in position to close the gap and better compete for the top candidates in a dwindling pool of job candidates.
--Ross Martin
Platte City