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Rockwood R‑VI board votes to call election on operating tax levy after presentations and public support
Summary
The Rockwood R‑VI Board of Education approved a resolution calling an election to increase the district's operating tax levy after staff presentations, community speakers and survey results showing varying levels of voter support for different levy amounts.
The Rockwood R‑VI Board of Education voted Aug. 18 to approve a resolution calling an election on a proposed increase to the district’s operating tax levy, following presentations from district leaders, public comments from staff and residents, and a summary of community survey results.
Thomas Cook, president of the Rockwood National Education Association, urged the board to move forward with the measure, saying the district has not increased its operating tax in decades and needs revenue to “secure the funds necessary to provide all staff a livable wage and competitive benefits.” He told the board the levy is intended to help the district recruit and retain educators, nurses, social workers, bus drivers, maintenance crews and support staff.
Angie Minay Ost, a Rockwood school nurse and parent, asked the board to place a levy on the Nov. 4 ballot, saying additional funding would allow the district to hire and retain nurses, reduce burnout and strengthen health education across schools. Johnny Jordan, a Rockwood bus driver and trainer, described driver shortages since COVID and said improved benefits tied to a levy would help keep and retrain drivers.
Superintendent Kane and cabinet members presented comparative salary data and other district information to justify the ballot question. Kane noted the district has not placed an operating levy before the community since 1994 and described the proposal as a “one-time adjustment” in revenue that could allow salary and benefit improvements but would return to prior growth limits afterward under the Hancock Amendment and CPI-based controls.
District staff reported results from a random-sample phone survey conducted in May: 44% of respondents said they would support or strongly support a 75¢ levy increase; 48% said they would support or strongly support a 58¢ increase; and 50% said they would support or strongly support a 45¢ increase. The board said staff will refine ballot language over the fall and consult bond counsel to ensure compliance and clarity for voters.
After discussion and expressions of support from multiple board members, the board president read the motion again, called for the vote and declared “the ayes have it,” approving the resolution to call an election on the operating levy.
Next steps identified by the board included finalizing ballot language in consultation with bond counsel and public outreach this fall so voters can consider the proposal in the upcoming election cycle.
