UPDATE 4/2/23
The unofficial results indicate that the Clinton School District’s Zero-Tax Levy Increase Bond (Question 1) and Levy Transfer (Question 2) have passed! Question 1 required 57% to pass and we received 72% YES votes, Question 2 required 50%+1 and we received 67% YES votes.

With the passage of both questions, the citizens of our community made a strong statement that high-quality, safe schools and facilities and attracting and retaining high-quality staff are important to Clinton.

With the passage of both issues, our work has just begun. Today you provided the district the green light to make necessary improvements to support student success. It will be our job as a district to be a good steward of your investment.

Thank you again! It is a proud day to be a Cardinal!

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The Clinton School District Board of Education is asking voters to consider Proposition Cardinals, two questions on the April 2, 2024 ballot, that will have zero impact on the current tax levy. Proposition Cardinals will allow the district to address two distinct needs: SUPPORTING staff and ENHANCING safety and facilities.

Question 1: Zero Tax Levy Increase $14 Million Bond
Will ENHANCE safety and district facilities

Question 2: Zero Tax Increase Levy Transfer
Will SUPPORT, attract, and retain quality staff with salary/wage increases






WHY TWO QUESTIONS?
You might have heard the phrase, “bonds are for building, and levies are for learning”.

Bonds fund capital construction projects to build, renovate, repair, or modernize school buildings and facilities.

Levies pay for educational programs and day-to-day operations of schools, including: staff pay, supplies, utilities, insurance, etc.

Because levy and bond funds are restrictive in what they can be used for, the district must have two questions on the ballot.



WHAT IMPACT WOULD THE PASSAGE OF EITHER QUESTION HAVE ON THE OVERALL TAX LEVY?

None.

Question 1 and Question 2 are both ZERO-TAX LEVY INCREASE ballot issues, meaning neither question will affect the district’s overall tax levy of $3.8679. The tax levy TODAY, will be the tax levy on April 3, 2024, regardless if either question passes or fails. Even though neither question will affect the overall tax levy, we are required to put both issues before voters.








WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF EACH BALLOT ISSUE?
Question 1 is a proposed Zero-Tax Levy Increase Bond. Thanks to good financial management by the Board of Education, the district has paid off a large portion of debt incurred from past construction projects, and is in a position to seek approval of an additional $14 million to ENHANCE safety and facilities. This bond will provide for the following:

• Secure entry improvements at Clinton High School
• Address structural concerns, upgrade gym accessibility, renovate existing band room and construct additional band practice rooms at Clinton Middle School
• Construct additional classrooms, upgrade restrooms, and repair parking lots at various buildings in the district
• Upgrade playground equipment, cabinetry/counters, and remediate environmental concerns at various buildings in the district
• Update the cafeteria at Henry Elementary
• Acquire property now leased to the district
• Resurface track and replace football field turf

Question 2 is a proposed Zero Tax Increase Levy Transfer which would move 15 cents from the district’s Debt Service Levy (currently allocated for paying off debt) to the Operating Levy (the fund that pays employees and provides for district operations). The proposed transfer would allow the CSD to SUPPORT, attract, and retain staff by allowing for salary increase/raises without a change to the overall tax levy. Wise fiscal management ensures our debt can still be paid. This transfer of funds would simply decrease the debt service levy from $.8168 to $.6668 while increasing the operating levy from $3.0511 to $3.2011. Regardless of how one votes, the existing levy of $3.8679 (debt service and operating levies combined) would remain unchanged.




HOW CAN BOTH OF THESE PROPOSALS BECOME A REALITY?
Question 1 (Zero-Tax Levy Increase Bond) must be approved by 57%.
Question 2 (Zero-Tax Increase Levy Transfer) must be approved by a simple majority (50% +1 vote).









WHEN CAN I VOTE ON THESE ISSUES?
Election day for Proposition Cardinals is Tuesday, April 2, 2024. You must be registered to vote by Wednesday, March 6.

Paid for by the Clinton School District
Brian Wishard, Superintendent
701 S. 8th Street, Clinton, MO 64735