Melville School District considers proposal to fund maintenance using existing tax levy

The Mehlville School District Board of Education meeting on August 21, 2025, highlighted a significant proposal aimed at addressing critical maintenance needs within the district. A recent survey conducted by Opinion Research Specialist revealed strong community support for a plan to make permanent a temporary tax levy approved by voters in 2016. This levy currently funds essential building repairs, including roof replacements and technology upgrades.

The survey, which garnered a 33% response rate with 1,137 completed responses, indicated that 63% of participants favor the proposal. Specifically, 48% expressed strong support, while 15% somewhat supported the initiative. The survey results suggest a 95% confidence level that if an election were held, the support would range between 60% and 66%.

The proposed changes would reallocate 2.4 cents from an existing debt service tax, no longer needed for bond payments, to the district's operating levy. This adjustment is expected to generate approximately $1.4 million annually, dedicated to ongoing needs such as roof repairs, school buses, HVAC improvements, and building security, all without increasing the current tax rate.

Demographic analysis of the survey respondents revealed that most did not have children in the district, with an average age of 66 years. Notably, women and younger voters showed higher levels of support for the proposal, a trend consistent with previous surveys.

In addition to the primary proposal, the meeting provided insights into community engagement and the importance of maintaining school facilities to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students. The board is expected to consider these findings as they move forward with discussions on the proposal and its potential impact on the district's future.