1. Community Levy Information Meeting Coming Together for Kids! January 14, 2010 1

2. Introductions Board Members Viki Draper Ben Elkins Eric Johnson John Mortenson Connie Smejkal Administrators Jim Anderson Kim Fry Levy Committee Chair Karen Sanchez 2

3. The RSD Educational M&O Levy requests funding for the purpose of … Maintaining Educational Programs & School District Operations 3

4. Levies are for LEARNING! 4

5. Bonds are for BUILDINGS 5

6. Why do we have levies in Washington? Levies pay for programs and services which are not funded, or are only partially funded by the state or federal governments. 6

7. This levy directly supports the teaching and learning of every student in ALL classrooms every day. 7

8. 80% of the Levy Directly Impacts Teaching & Learning Staff to Lower Class Sizes Textbooks Teaching Supplies Technology Arts Programs Band & Choir Counselors English as a Second Language (ESL) Gifted Education Special Education Vocational Programs 8

9. Staff to Lower Class Sizes Textbooks Teaching Supplies Technology Arts Programs Band & Choir Counselors English as a Second Language (ESL) Gifted Education Special Education Vocational Programs Educational Programs – 80% Bus Transportation – 6% Athletics and Activities – 9% Facilities – 5% Custodians Building & Grounds Maintenance Utilities How is Levy Money Spent? 9

10. Levies are no longer for extras. They now fund basic education. 10

11. RSD Levy Facts This is a RENEWAL levy, NOT a new tax. The 2008 levy expires at the end of 2010. 11

12. RSD Levy Facts The 2010 levy is for the same amount voters approved in 2008. NO INCREASE! It sustains the current level of local funding for schools for two more years. 12

13. Levy Equalization If the RSD levy passes in February, the State will provide an additional $778,000 in Local Effort Assistance. 13

14. Why is This Levy More Important Than Previous Levies? $1.03 million in state cuts to RSD in 2009-10 $1.50 million in proposed ADDITIONAL state cuts to RSD in 2010-11 $3.38 million in lost revenue if the levy does not pass $5.91 million $5.91 million = 27% of budget 14

15. Budget vs. Enrollment Comparison 27% of Enrollment = 536 Students RPSGMESRMSRHS & HEART 492 531 519 534 15 Despite reduced funding all schools will remain open!

16. What cuts have already occurred? Fewer Teachers Fewer Support Staff Fewer Administrators Cut Rochester Alternative Middle School No C-squad Athletics Capping Team Sizes at RMS Busing Changes – Schedule Changes Less Money for Curriculum Less Money for Technology Less Money for Staff Training, etc… 16

17. About How Much Did the Current Levy Cost? Home value in 2009 $240,000.00 Cost per $1,000 in 2009 $2.64 Levy taxes paid in 2009 $633.60 Home value in 2010 $245,000.00 Cost per $1,000 in 2010 $2.69 Levy taxes paid in 2010 $659.05 Cost increased $2.12 per month 17

18. About How Much Did the Current Levy Cost? Home value in 2009 $240,000.00 Cost per $1,000 in 2009 $2.64 Levy taxes paid in 2009 $633.60 Home value in 2010 $200,000.00 Cost per $1,000 in 2010 $2.69 Levy taxes paid in 2010 $538.00 Cost decreased $7.97 per month 18

19. Your Ballot ROCHESTER SCHOOL DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS LEVY The Board of Directors of Rochester School District No. 401 adopted Resolution No. 09- 09 concerning a proposition to levy property taxes. Upon the expiration of the current maintenance and operation levy, the proposition would authorize the following taxes for purposes of operating and maintenance in excess of all regular property tax levies, upon all taxable property within Rochester School District No. 401 for the districts general fund. Collection YearApproximate Levy Rate per $1,000 Assessed Value Levy Amount 2011$2.61$3,388,000 2012$2.54$3,388,000 Should this proposition be approved? YES _______ NO _______ 19

20. All Mail-in Ballot Election If your ballot does not arrive by January 29, please contact the Thurston County Auditors Office. Mail your ballot promptly, or Drop it off at one of the following locations: Rochester Fire Station Grand Mound Licensing Littlerock Fire Station Thurston County Courthouse All ballots must be dropped off or postmarked by February 9. 20

21. Tax Exemptions Senior and disabled citizens who meet certain income requirements may be exempt from part or all of local school levy taxes. For more information or to find out if you qualify for a property tax exemption, please contact the Thurston County Assessors Office at 786-5410 21

22. Support Rochester Schools Levy Committee Karen Sanchez - Committee Chairperson Keiko Paros - Signs Annette Moore - Publications Viki Draper - Doorbelling John Mortenson - Public Speaking Jan Watson - Voter Data Shannon Wayt & Julie Melton - Business Connections Bill Liddle - Website Brandon Chapman – Internet Messaging Chelsey Wayt – RHS Student Coordination Jennifer Bronson & Echo Quarnstrom - Mailing Darren & Sandee Prescott - Voter Calling Kendra Clark – Sign Waving 22

23. Votes Needed to Pass the Levy? Expecting 4,000 voters 50% + 1 = 2,001 23

24. What Happens if the Levy Doesnt Pass in February? Re-run levy in the spring. District must deduct additional elections costs from other programs. Begin building a budget that cuts up to $5.91 million. Initiate Reduction In Force or pink slip process. Everyones energy moves from focusing on student learning to bracing for the worst. 24

25. Questions & Answers 25

26. Thank You for Attending! 26

27. For more information… Board Members, Administrators, Committee Members and RSD Staff will stay to answer questions Visit www.SupportRochesterSchools.infowww.SupportRochesterSchools.info Sign up to receive emails Become a Friend of Rochester School Levy Facebook page Call the District Office @ 273-5536 or email a staff member jdoe@rochester.wednet.edujdoe@rochester.wednet.edu First Initial Last Name 27