My home’s value has plummeted. Will my taxes go down?

The school district collects a set amount of money. It cannot collect more or less when the value of your home rises or falls.. The cost-per-$1,000-assessed value simply slides accordingly with the fluctuations in a home’s value.

I already pay a lot in taxes. Doesn’t the state pay for education?

The state funds education at a basic level. That is usually enough to keep heat on, provide bare-bones staffing and basic materials. Approximately 30% of the Dieringer budget is met by its education and operations levy, which is put up for vote every two years. We are very fortunate in this district that our voters support  schools and continue to pass the replacement levy.

How much more will I pay if this proposition passes?

Minimally. The expiring 2010 levy will be replaced by the 2011 levy and 2012 levy .  The amount collected will vary based on assessed valuation and state support..

Why don’t we have a high school?

High schools are very expensive to build and maintain. Plus, vacant land simply does not exist within our boundaries to build  a high school. Very good options  are offered at neighboring high schools for our students. Dieringer pays tuition to these districts so that our students may attend. Levy dollars pay this tuition. It is much, much cheaper to pay tuition than it would be to build and maintain a quality high school.

What happens if the levy doesn’t pass?

Staff cuts would be made, teachers would be laid off, classroom sizes would climb and many extra-curricular activities would be chopped. Additionally, there would be little money for new books, fewer specialists in reading, art, P.E., music, counseling and nursing services, further decrease in activities bus and more.