Superintendent outlines timeline to place half‑penny sales tax and property‑tax millage before voters, notes May 7 review deadline

Superintendent Van Core told the board that to place a half‑penny sales tax renewal and a proposed property‑tax millage on the ballot the district must pass a resolution, transmit it to the county, and allow a state review of processes that the transcript identified as "OPOGA." Van Core urged the board to transmit materials by May 7 so the state review can be scheduled, and recommended sending drafts in March or early April to leave breathing room.

Why it matters: The timing and wording of ballot measures affect whether they can be printed for the November ballot and whether the district satisfies state review windows. Van Core said the sales tax track requires the state's review; the millage track does not, which gives slightly more flexibility. He warned board members to coordinate with counsel on ballot language to avoid legal challenges.

Details: Van Core said the formal steps are straightforward: the board votes the measure through its normal process, the county receives the resolution and forwards it to the supervisor of elections, and the state review team schedules a review. "State law requires that you give [the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability] an opportunity to review your processes," he said, adding that "no school district in the state or county in the state has ever failed this audit," as transcribed. He recommended transmitting materials to the county in March or early April to allow time for the review and adjustments.

On campaign rules, Van Core noted limits on official district advocacy: board and staff can provide informational materials and respond when asked, and may update district web pages, but "you cannot pay for advertisement to go out to voters" or mail campaign materials on behalf of a ballot campaign; the political committee track is separate and individual trustees and staff may participate in private committees.

Polling and strategy: When asked by board members, Van Core said polling done in the late fall showed strong support and that such results typically remain stable absent a major local crisis. He said he will commission another poll and "should have results within weeks." He recommended, if messaging can be coordinated, running the sales tax and millage together with a unified message about supporting schools and teacher pay.

Ballot language and timelines: Van Core explained the technical limits for ballot wording (a 15‑word title and a 75‑word summary) and said language can explicitly include oversight committee provisions to reassure voters. He advised the board to work closely with the school board attorney on final text to reduce risk of legal challenge.

Next steps: The board agreed it will need a workshop and a formal decision in the March–April window to meet the May 7 transmission and review schedule; Van Core will return with updated polling and draft language. No formal vote was taken during the discussion.