Oak Grove School District asks public for input on possible parcel tax to shore up shrinking budget

Summary

At a community meeting, Oak Grove board leaders and staff explained how a new parcel tax could work, noted the district’s $68 existing tax yields about $1.75 million annually, and solicited public priorities — chiefly staff retention, student supports and mental‑health services — before any decision is made.

Oak Grove School District held a public meeting to gather community feedback on whether to pursue a new parcel tax to address a structural budget shortfall. Board President Francis Aber and Associate Superintendent of Business Mark Evans presented options and solicited priorities from parents and community members.

“Tonight we are not here to make a decision,” Board President Francis Aber told the meeting, framing the session as fact‑finding and community outreach. Aber said the district faces a “structural deficit” driven by declining enrollment, loss of one‑time funds and rising costs and that any parcel tax effort would depend on broad community support.

Mark Evans, the district’s associate superintendent of business, gave a step‑by‑step overview of parcel taxes: they are a locally levied flat tax on each property parcel, require a…

Oak Grove School District asks public for input on possible parcel tax to shore up shrinking budget

Summary

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