FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Updated:  August 20, 2010

1. Q:  What is the Kirkwood School District proposing on the Nov. 2, 2010 ballot?
  
A:  Two general obligation bond issues are being proposed to improve the learning environment for Kirkwood students: Proposition 1 and Proposition 2. At a cost of approximately 4.5 cents per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation (for a period of approximately 15 years), the two bond issues will provide approximately $48.3 million for renovation, construction and improvements to the Kirkwood School District.

2.    Q:  What is Proposition 1 and what would it do for students and the schools?

A:  Proposition 1 proposes a bond issue of approximately $33.5 million to fund building projects and improvements in Kirkwood schools. Prop 1 is a no tax rate increase bond issue. In a no tax rate increase bond issue, school districts are able to fund repayment of the bonds through its existing budget, without raising its tax rate that is devoted to paying down debts.  Funding from this bond issue would improve the learning environment for students by providing:

• Kindergarten in each of the district’s five elementary schools. Currently, North Glendale, Robinson and Keysor elementary buildings do not have the capacity to serve all of their kindergarten students. Some kindergarten students from Keysor and Robinson schools are bused to Westchester Elementary School for their kindergarten year; and all kindergarten students from North Glendale are bused to Tillman Elementary School for their kindergarten year.

• Science classrooms at North Kirkwood and Nipher middle schools that are designed in accordance with the best and most current standards in science education and to meet the needs of today’s students. The science classrooms at both middle schools are outdated.

• Safety improvements at all schools, including the relocation of some offices to centralized locations and improving traffic flow for drop-off and pick-up lanes.

3.    Q:  What is Proposition 2 and what would it do for students and the schools?

A:    Proposition 2 proposes a bond issue of approximately $14.8 million to fund building projects and improvements for physical education and athletics programs in Kirkwood schools. Prop 2 will add approximately 4.5 cents to the debt service levy.  Funding from this bond issue would improve the learning environment for students by providing:

• Improvements to the physical education and athletic fields, the stadium, concession areas and related facilities at Kirkwood High School.

• Construction of an aquatic center that could be used by all district schools.

• Improvements to the physical education fields at Nipher and North Kirkwood middle schools.

4.    Q:  How would the passage of Propositions 1 and 2 affect the tax rate?

A:  If voters pass both Propositions 1 and 2, the adjusted debt service levy of the school district is estimated to increase approximately 4.5 cents (from $0.365 to $0.41) per hundred dollars assessed valuation of real and personal property. If voters approve only Proposition 1 or only Proposition 2, the adjusted debt service levy of the school district is estimated to remain unchanged at the current rate of $0.365 per one hundred dollars assessed valuation of real and personal property.

5.    Q:  What is the current residential tax rate for the district?

A:  The 2009-10 residential tax levy is $4.0842.

Kirkwood’s residential tax levy includes two components:
• Operating levy to fund the “day-to-day” costs of running the district
• Debt service levy to pay the principal and interest on bond obligations

These two levies are combined for the total residential tax levy that appears on the real estate property tax statement sent to all homeowners by the St. Louis County assessor’s office:

 Operating            $3.7192
 +Debt Service         .3650
   Total                 $4.0842

6.   Q: What is Kirkwood School District’s tax rate compared to other districts?

A:  Please select a comparison chart of residential tax rates as well as average annual expenditure per student for school districts in the St. Louis metropolitan area. 

Chart sorted by Amount Per Student (pdf, 10.08KB)
Chart Sorted by Tax Rate (pdf, 10.08KB)

7.    Q:  What would the cost to homeowners be if Propositions 1 and 2 pass?

A:    Estimated annual costs for a home with appraised value of:

$100,000:  $8.88 in 2011
$250,000: $21.38 in 2011
$500,000: $42.75 in 2011
$750,000: $64.13 in 2011

The formula below can be used to calculate the cost for your property based on the assessment you received from the St. Louis County assessor:

A = Appraised Home Value (as determined by St. Louis County assessor)
B = Assessed Home Value
C = How many $100 Units in the Assessed Home Value

Step 1:     A x 19% = B
Step 2:     B divided by 100 = C
Step 3:     C x 4.5 cents (.045) = Cost of Propositions 1 and 2 in 2011

8.    Q:  What is the cost to homeowners if Proposition 1 passes and Proposition 2 doesn’t?

A:  If Proposition 1 passes and Proposition 2 does not pass, the adjusted debt service levy of the school district is estimated to remain unchanged at the current rate of $0.365 per one hundred dollars assessed valuation of real and personal property.

9.    Q:    What is the cost to homeowners if Proposition 2 passes and Proposition 1 doesn’t?

A:  If Proposition 2 passes and Proposition 1 does not pass, the adjusted debt service levy of the school district is estimated to remain unchanged at the current rate of $0.365 per one hundred dollars assessed valuation of real and personal property.

10.    Q:  What would the cost to homeowners be if Proposition 1 and 2 do not pass?

A:  Home values are dependent on the reputation and quality of the local school district, including programs and facilities for student learning. It is estimated the 2010 tax rate for debt service would stay at relatively the same rate (.3650 cents).  In 2011, the debt service tax rate could be reduced slightly or stay at the same level.  The district could keep the debt service rate at .3650 cents and accelerate the existing amortization schedule, saving on interest costs, or it could reduce the debt service levy amount and take longer to pay off the existing debt. The exact calculation will be determined by assessed valuation, collection rate and paying off principal and interest.  The district will have exact numbers early in the fall of 2010 when final assessed valuation numbers are received from St. Louis County. 

11.    Q:  Why does the district need to improve facilities?

A:  Improvements in school facilities are required to meet the needs of our students and to protect the community’s investment in public education. By improving school facilities, the district is able to provide students with a learning environment that supports success for all students and reflects the best practices in education.

12.    Q:  Why doesn’t the district use the money in the fund balance to pay for these improvements?

A:  The district’s fund balance is not a source for large capital project funding. Even if the district wanted to use these funds, the fund balance does not have enough money to fund the needed improvements.

The Kirkwood School District is committed to maintaining a strong fund balance. The fund balance provides financial stability for the district. Because most of Kirkwood’s operating revenues are received in late December and January through local property taxes, the fund balance keeps the district solvent and able to meet expenses during the months of July through November.  Without the fund balance, the district would have additional expenses associated with interest paid due to short-term borrowing for operating purposes.

The fund balance allows the district to support a five-year budget projection model. Using this model enables the district to plan and to operate for extended lengths of time without having to ask voters for an operating tax increase.

13.    Q:  Does the district have any plans to offer free full-day kindergarten?

A:  With the passage of Proposition 1, we will be able to provide home school kindergarten for every child by 2012. This is our first priority because we want to connect students and families to the home school at the beginning of the school experience.

Currently, North Glendale, Robinson and Keysor elementary buildings do NOT have the capacity to serve all of their kindergarten students. Some kindergarten students from Keysor and Robinson schools are bused to Westchester Elementary School for their kindergarten year; and all kindergarten students from North Glendale are bused to Tillman Elementary School for their kindergarten year.

The district offers free half-day kindergarten for all.  Full day kindergarten is offered for an annual tuition cost of $3,600 and space is limited.
Free full-day kindergarten for all students has been and will continue to be discussed.  Because this would add operational expense to the district, the current ballot proposals do NOT address free full day kindergarten.

14.    Q:  If Proposition 1 does not pass, how will kindergarten students return to North Glendale, Keysor and Robinson?

A:  They will not return to their home schools for kindergarten. North Glendale does not have the room to serve all of their kindergarten students; Keysor and Robinson have space to serve some of their kindergarten students, but not all.

15.    Q:  Will half-day kindergarten continue to be an option?

A:  Yes.  The district will sustain our current program:  half-day kindergarten and tuition based full day kindergarten.

16.  Q:  Will the district have to hire more kindergarten teachers if Prop 1 passes?

A:   We do not anticipate the need to hire additional kindergarten teachers.  And, with the passage of Proposition 1, the district will eliminate transportation costs.

17.    Q:  How will you fund the operational costs of kindergarten if Prop 1 passes?

A:  The proposed projects will not add significant operational costs to the budget. 

18.  Q:  Why do we need to build new science classrooms at the middle school?

A:   Currently, many middle school science classes are held in rooms that were not built as science classrooms and therefore lack basic amenities.  In addition, the science labs that do exist have not been updated for at least two generations of students. 

19.    Q:   Why do we need to upgrade physical education and athletic facilities and fields and what improvements will be made?

A:  The high school physical education and athletic program is an integral part of the curriculum. Studies show that students who participate in extracurricular activities and sports are more likely to graduate.

• Improvements at KHS Lyons Stadium include replacing the home bleachers, press box, new entrance, restrooms, fencing, sound system and improved accessibility for people with disabilities.

• Improvements to the baseball/softball fields at Kirkwood High School, which may include installing synthetic turf, restrooms, concession areas, bleachers, press box, storage and improved accessibility for people with disabilities.

• Construction at the middle schools includes a new track at Nipher Middle School and field improvements at both Nipher and North Kirkwood middle schools.

• Construction of an aquatic center will provide an indoor swimming pool for physical education classes, school and club swim teams, community rental opportunities and other community recreation needs. Kirkwood High School is one of the few high schools in the St. Louis area that does not provide an aquatic center on campus.

20.    Q:  Why are physical education and extracurricular activities important for students?

A:    Studies show students who are healthy, physically fit and involved in extracurricular activities—whether through clubs, student government, the arts, or athletics—have higher GPAs, stronger attendance, higher graduation rates and fewer discipline referrals. At KHS over 700 students participate in at least one or more athletic activities. More than 580 students participate in the high school’s exceptional performing arts programs including 180 students in the KHS Marching Pioneers and more than 400 students in the orchestra, wind ensemble or theatrical performances. Student involvement is an important part of the KHS experience with 58 clubs and organizations and 23 sports teams open to all students.

21.    Q:  Are there any private fundraising efforts contributing to these improvements?

A:  There will be an opportunity to raise private funds to enhance the facility improvement projects.  The Kirkwood School District is currently raising funds through several initiatives:  KSD Foundation Pioneering Science campaign, which raised over $1.3 million dollars to help outfit the Earl and Myrtle Walker Science Center at Kirkwood High School, and KSD Foundation Academics and Athletics Winning Team campaign. The “Academics & Athletics” campaign has raised close to $700,000 toward the $1 million goal for the improvements to the field and track at Kirkwood High School, which includes installation of a synthetic surface on the field in Lyons Stadium, replacement of the eight-lane track, and ADA compliance updates.  Construction is currently underway.

22.  Q:  What improvements and projects did Prop i support?

A:  Kirkwood School District voters approved “Prop i” on April 5, 2005. Prop i improvements include:
    •  New fire alarm and sprinkler systems in all schools.
    •  New sanitary, storm or domestic water lines as needed in all schools.
    •  New electrical systems where needed.
    •  New roofs where needed.
    •  A new varsity gym and improvements to the existing physical education facility at Kirkwood High School.
    •  The new Earl and Mrytle Walker Science Center at Kirkwood High School.

Voters approved funding Prop i improvements through an increase of 20 cents per $100 of assessed valuation in the district’s operating tax levy ceiling to  provide approximately $28 million in lease/hold revenue bonds. In addition, Prop i provided for a three-year incremental increase to attain a total of 15 cents in the operating levy to be dedicated to a maintenance fund. These monies are committed to funding ongoing maintenance, repairs and upgrading of infrastructure systems in all schools.

23.    Q:  If Proposition 1 passes and Proposition 2 does not, will Nipher have a track/field?

A:  If Proposition 1 passes and Proposition 2 fails, the district is committed to providing Nipher with the facilities and fields necessary to continue their quality physical education program. If Prop 2 fails, the needs do not disappear and the district will explore funding opportunities.

24.    Q:  Why do the students need a pool?

A:    Specifications for present day high school facilities include an aquatic learning center.  Kirkwood is one of few remaining districts in the metropolitan area without a high school pool. Currently Kirkwood students have limited use of the St. Louis Community College Meramec pool, which is nearly 40 years old. The Meramec pool is not available for use by the district’s physical education classes and does not have the capacity to serve our students’ needs. As a result, Kirkwood students are not receiving the same educational, athletic, and extracurricular experiences provided for students in other districts. In addition, the pool will be an asset to the school district community by providing a healthy recreational opportunity for families and the community at large.

For a list of schools in the St. Louis metropolitan area with swimming facilities, please click HERE (pdf, 77.33KB).

25.  Q:  How are you funding the operational costs of the pool?

A:  The district will create a community rental program to offset some of the operational costs of the pool.

26.  Q:  What is going on at the high school stadium field?

A:  Kirkwood High School’s Lyons Stadium field is being renovated with a new synthetic turf track and stadium field as well as a new entrance that will be ADA accessible.

The KHS track exceeded its life (over 15 years old) and was no longer safe for use by students or the community. 

The stadium turf field will provide our students with playing space and physical education space accessible in inclement weather and for repeated daily and evening use.  This is more economical than renting a field from another high school.  The cost for the turf field is being offset by funds raised through the Kirkwood School District Foundation (KSDF).  Currently, KSDF has raised close to $700,000 to meet a $1 million dollar goal.

27.  Q:  Do enrollment projections support the need for additional classrooms?

A:  Enrollment projections are stable at every elementary school, and every elementary school is at capacity. The proposed projects will allow every kindergarten student to attend his or her home school and will free up space at Tillman and Westchester.

28.    Q:  How will Tillman and Westchester benefit from the projects?

A:  Tillman and Westchester will have additional classrooms space available for instructional needs.  Students from Tillman and Westchester will also benefit from improvements to the middle school science classrooms when they attend the district’s middle schools. 

29.  Q:  Why do the architectural drawings show two wings being torn down at the Keysor and Robinson elementary schools when the district wants to add new spaces?

A:  The architectural drawings are in the conceptual phase. The preliminary plans propose the removal of four classrooms at both Keysor and Robinson to allow for construction of a new wing to house even more classrooms. New construction may be a better alternative to renovation depending upon the cost and benefit. The district’s architects and engineers will recommend a plan that will provide students with an optimal learning environment in the most cost effective way.

30.  Q:  How is the district supporting the Parents as Teachers (PAT) Program?

A:  State funding has been cut for the Parents as Teachers (PAT) program. The district is committed to sustaining the funding it has provided to PAT for the past 15 years. Prior to the cuts in state funding, the PAT program budget was approximately $320,000.  The district provides just under $100,000 in operating funds and facility costs. The PAT budget has been reduced to $130,000 and the district will continue its commitment to provide approximately $100,000 in operating funds and facility costs.

31.  Q:  If the district MAP scores are high, why do we need to improve?

A:  Yes, Kirkwood School District MAP scores are high and our students are successful.  In order to maintain the excellent education the community demands of Kirkwood schools, the district must continue to provide quality educational facilities, programs and services to our students.

32.  Q:  The district has hired 12 new teachers this year instead of the usual why is the new teacher number so low?

A:  The reason the district only hired 12 new teachers is because there were only 13 vacancies to fill, and one of those vacancies was filled by a current teacher moving from one building to another. The district has not cut any teachers, and student to teacher ratios remain the same. This past year the district also experienced fewer teacher retirements, which is one of the factors in the small number of teachers hired for the 2010-2011 school year. 

33.  Q:  What is the difference between operating money and capital improvement money?

A:  In accordance with school funding policies and procedures, operating funds pay for ongoing costs including salaries, supplies and equipment.  Capital improvement funds pay for building improvements (bricks and mortar).

34.  Q:  Why isn’t the district seeking an operating levy if it is deficit spending?

A:  The Kirkwood School District’s finances are stable.  Kirkwood schools receive 94 percent of tax revenue from local taxes and very little revenue from the state or federal government.  The district has maintained a strong fund balance in order to provide stability to education programs and services to students.  The fund balance has allowed the district to prolong the necessity of asking voters to approve an increase in the operating levy.  It has been 12 years since a tax levy for operating costs was approved by voters.

The district has experienced a decrease in revenue due to lower assessed valuations and variations in reporting from St. Louis County.  The district has chosen to spend down some of the fund balance in order to balance its budget at fiscal year end (June 30, 2010). 

The district is committed to maintaining efficiencies and fiscal responsibility, while meeting the community’s expectations for small class sizes, current educational and extra-curricular programming, and continued maintenance of schools. The plan is to continue to make appropriate budget reductions to balance the budget.

35.  Q:  When was the last operating levy increase?

A:  District voters approved an increase in the operational tax levy in June 1998 to provide for operating costs that included salaries and supplies. In April 2005, voters approved a lease/hold revenue bond issue through the operating levy—these funds supported capital (building) projects, not operational costs.

36.  Q:  When will the district ask for an increase in the operating levy?

A:  Present projections indicate an operating tax levy will be considered in the near future. Factors that will influence the necessity for the district to seek an increase in the operating tax rate include the district’s assessed value and whether or not the district levies the full amount of the voter approved tax rate ceiling.  For the past three years the district has set the operating tax rate below the voter approved ceiling. 

The district is committed to maintaining efficiencies and fiscal responsibility, while meeting the community’s expectations for small class sizes, current educational and extra-curricular programming, and continued maintenance of schools. The plan is to continue to make appropriate budget reductions to balance the budget. 

37.  Q:  What is a bond issue?

A:  A bond issue is a traditional way for schools to borrow money to pay for capital (building) projects that are too costly for a typical budget. People invest in the district by purchasing the bonds. The district has two options for issuing bonds: general obligation bonds through the debt service levy or lease/hold revenue bonds through the operational tax levy. The district will issue general obligation bonds to fund Propositions 1 and 2. In Missouri, this requires voter approval, even if the bond issue will not raise the tax rate, which is the circumstance of the district’s proposed Proposition 1. To pass a bond issue, 57% of the voters (4/7) must vote yes.

38.    Q:   How does a bond issue work?

A:  When voters approve/pass a bond issue, the school district obtains bids and sells bonds to the purchaser (usually a bank) who offers the lowest interest rate. In return for the investment, the district must repay the money borrowed with interest.

39.  Q:  How can we fund $48.3 million in improvements with only a 4.5-cent increase in the debt service tax rate?

A:  Proposition 1 seeks approximately $33.5 million bond issue. Approval of Proposition 1 would be considered a “no tax rate increase” bond issue. This means the debt service tax rate would basically remain the same. Proposition 2 seeks an approximate $14.8 million bond issue. Approval of both Propositions 1 and 2 would increase the debt service levy from the current rate of $0.365 to $0.41 or approximately 4.5 cents.

40.  Q:  What exactly is the debt service levy?

A:  The debt service levy (or rate) is one part of the overall tax rate. Debt service funds can only be used to pay off bonds that voters approved for the school district.

41.  Q:  Is the debt service levy part of my real estate tax bill?

A:  Yes, the debt service levy (rate) is combined with the residential real estate tax rate for a total rate that appears as the Kirkwood School District portion of the real estate tax bill homeowners receive from the St. Louis County Department of Revenue at the end of the calendar year.

42.  Q:  Can the money generated by a bond issue be used for things other than capital expenses?

A:  No, the funds from general obligation bonds cannot be used for salaries, supplies, utilities, and other operating expenses. They can only be used to fund building renovations and improvements and new construction.

43.  Q:  Why is there a “no tax increase” for one of the bond issues?

A:  Each year the district pays off old debt from past bond issues. As the loan balance decreases, the district can borrow more and pay it back from existing revenue sources such as growth in assessed valuation and low interest rates. To generate additional revenue, the existing tax rate is extended, but not increased.  Proposition 1 is a no tax rate increase bond issue for approximately $33.5 million.

44.  Q:  Is there any tax relief available for senior citizens or those on fixed incomes?

A:  Many residents who are retired or on fixed incomes have expressed concerns about increases in local property tax levies. To address this situation, the Missouri General Assembly adopted the Senior Citizens Property Tax Relief, or what is commonly referred to as the “circuit breaker” law (RSMo 135.010 to 135.03). Qualified persons can receive an income tax credit or direct refund. The amount of the refund depends upon the individual’s income, rent or property tax payment. For more information on this property tax credit, please call the Missouri Department of Revenue tax assistance office in St. Louis at 314-877-0177 or visit the Missouri Dept of Revenue website http://dor.mo.gov/tax/personal/ptc/.

45.  Q:  Is this the right time for a bond proposal?

A:  Yes, it is the right time for the children who are living in our community.   Although we are in a time of unique economic challenge, it is also a time when our students need the best educational programs our community can provide to prepare them to compete in a world of global competition for jobs and resources. If we don’t make improvements now then our students will fall behind.  This is a perfect opportunity for us to make an investment in our future that will impact future generations of young people.