Commission approves putting Raglan school ad valorem tax on May ballot

The St. Clair County Commission voted to place a five-mill ad valorem tax measure for the Raglan School attendance and tax district on the May ballot after adopting two companion resolutions calling the election and acknowledging the commission's authority to abate the tax if the school ceases operations.

Commissioners approved the measure by voice vote after a presenter summarized the resolutions and local leaders urged support. The presenter told the commission the resolutions consist of a call for an election (recorded in the agenda as "resolution 20 26 19") and a companion statement explaining the commission's intent and authority to reduce or remit the tax if the school subsequently closed. The motion passed with affirmative voice votes.

Why it matters: Local officials said the levy is intended to preserve Raglan High School and maintain K–12 operations in the town. Supporters said the tax funds would keep the school open and sustain local educational services, while the companion resolution affirms the commission could abate the levy if the school were to close.

Board members and local officials spoke at the meeting. A speaker representing local supporters said the question "is more than just about an institution and a building" and framed the measure as tied to the futures of students who live and work in the county. Allison Grama, a St. Clair County School Board member who introduced herself during public comment, asked for voters' support and said a vote for her would provide continuity as the district transitions to a new superintendent.

The commission did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript for the vote; the minutes show the body approved the resolutions and directed staff to place the question on the May ballot. The item as discussed on the agenda used the label "resolution 20 26 19"; a companion resolution explaining legislative intent was described alongside it and also received commission approval.

Next steps: The measure will appear on the ballot for voters who reside within the Raglan School attendance and tax district in May. The companion resolution notes the commission's authority to abate the tax should the school's purpose cease, but no abatement action was taken at this meeting.