When it comes to the topic of public school funding, I could easily fill an entire page on the funding formulas and how Iowa law and school district funds can be complex. Iowa law creates several funds for school districts and each fund is allowed to be used for the purpose authorized and no other. This is done so every taxpayer penny is accounted for.
One of the funds is called Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL). This fund can be used for school district expenditures, including safety and security, building repairs and renovations, purchasing of buses and vehicles, technology and equipment, and energy conservation. Our district’s emphasis includes continued security enhancements, technology upgrades, maintaining a reliable transportation fleet, playground equipment, and building maintenance.
On Tuesday, March 3, we are asking district voters to decide whether to renew a voter approved PPEL. Specifically, voters will be asked to renew the existing levy of .67 on $1,000 of assessed property value. The Board of Education sets the PPEL rate annually and cannot exceed .67. Over the past few weeks, I have visited with many community members about the importance of this vote and want to reinforce these key points as you head to the polls on Tuesday, March 3 or vote absentee ballot:
Funds support safety, security, facility maintenance, facility improvements, transportation purchases, technology, and many other equipment related purchases (band instruments, playgrounds, etc.)
The PPEL levy request of .67 per $1,000 is to renew the existing PPEL levy.
No funds are allowed to support salaries or compensation.