But this request is different than the district’s three previous attempts, school officials say.
The district is seeking a smaller amount – 5.9 mills – compared to the previous levy issues that sought at least 6.7 mills. Voters rejected the most recent request of a 6.7-mill levy in November with nearly 53% of voters against it.
This attempt – Issue 13 on the May 4 ballot – also comes with the pledge from school officials that they would not seek any new tax dollars during the duration of the five-year levy if the 5.9-mill levy is approved.
While there is no formal opposition to Issue 13, residents who have expressed opposition to the past levy attempts have cited various factors for their decision including a general disdain for property tax increases, an inability to pay higher taxes, distrust of district leadership and disapproval of the district's handling of the teachers strike in 2016.