EDITOR:
Voters have sent a clear and decisive mandate in recent years to leaders in the Platte County R-3 School District, and another opportunity awaits at the polls April 8.
In 2021, Phase 1 of an innovative and beneficial high school rebuild project received overwhelming backing, and the benefits of initial construction have already been realized. Just last year, a Proposition C waiver passed with a strong margin of support in the election, allowing the district to prioritize an expressed interest from stakeholders to establish a pay scale designed to attract and retain top-tier educational professionals in a competitive local market.
All of this continues to be done without asking voters for an increase to the current tax levy.
A “yes” vote on PCR-3’s ballot question in a few weeks approves additional funding needed for Phase 2 of the high school rebuild project and continues the effort to provide students and educators alike with the facilities needed to create an optimal learning environment. However, misinformation continues to subvert the reality of the situation in an effort to confuse district patrons.
Yes, the Platte County R-3 School District needs to issue more general obligation (GO) debt for this project, but please take into account:
●This again does not require a change to the tax levy, which has remained the same for years with the last adjustment actually providing a lower rate.
●District spending has gone up in recent years, but what critics don’t tell you is that last year more than $20 million was used to pay down existing debt and another $8 million went toward projects finishing the approved bonds in 2021 for the high school rebuild. Paying down debt helps maintain financial flexibility for a board-approved Long-Range Facility Master Plan that accounts for anticipated needs and can be met without asking for a change to the tax rate. None of this related to an increase in operating expenses, but instead were intentional, purposeful actions in line with voter directives. Any other increases are in line with expected increases to salary and benefits and costs of goods and services. This isn’t unique to Platte County R-3.
●A growing district like ours will likely always have debt, but state regulations limit GO debt to 15% of the district’s assessed valuation. GO debt can only be used for construction and maintenance and improvements to existing structures. This isn’t a blank check, and fiscal responsibility remains key. This is an attribute that should be applauded considering the growth and needs of the district met in recent decades.
●When you compare GO debt, which is all voter-approved debt and serviced by the restricted tax levy, Platte County R-3’s ratio of debt to assessed value ranks comparably to neighboring districts, and conservatively estimated growth minimizes any potential need to ask voters for an increase in the levy.
●The current GO debt for Platte County R-3 is set to expire in 2041; approval of this question in April would extend that to 2045. Our district is able to do this by paying down obligations ahead of schedule when possible due to strong forecasting and budgeting.
Voting yes on the ballot question maintains the message to Platte County R-3 officials and allows the district to sustain a track record of designing impactful and important upgrades without asking for an increase to the current tax levy. We have the opportunity to invest in our future with the type of facilities we want for our children and those tasked with providing a strong education not only now but also for generations to come.
We need to finish the job, and Platte County R-3 continues to reward the voters’ faith with discipline and accountability on meaningful use of our tax dollars. Please join me in supporting Platte County R-3’s forward-thinking vision.
--Ross Martin
Platte City
