St. John school proposes two replacement levies

ST. JOHN — On this year’s special election ballot, the St. John School District Board of Directors proposed two levies: a Replacement Educational Programs and Operation (EP&O) levy and a Replacement capital levy.

The St. John School District Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 2023-17 concerning a Replacement Educational Programs and Operation levy to finance educational programs and operation expenses not fully funded by the state.

The proposition authorizes the school district to meet the educational needs of students by replacing an expiring levy to collect an assessed value of $1.60/$1,000 a year at an estimated levy amount of $430,000 in 2025 and an estimated amount of $443,671 in 2026.

St. John Superintendent Mark Jacobson said that the tax rate was designed to be the same as before, keeping the same amount of $1.60. “We’re trying to be as conservative as we can, and still keep our doors and programs operational,” he said.

Jacobson said that the EP&O levy supports programs for preschool and elementary, which is a key component of what the school does for the community. “It also partially funds vocational and special education program expenses,” he said, noting that the funds go towards metal and welding, animal science, ag leadership, woods, and construction. The levy funds extracurricular programs, including athletics and trips for Future Farmers of America (FFA).

“We’re looking at trying to add a class where students learn how to service and repair the wiring and sensors in combines,” Jacobson said, noting that the program would train students to test, repair, or replace such machines. “We’re looking into that,” he said, adding that they hope they’ll get that going sometime next year.

“It also provides funding for our elective classes,” Jacobson said, noting that this includes honors classes in biology, chemistry, English, studio art, anatomy, and multi-media technology.

Jacobson said funds are also partially allotted to school counseling and nursing services.

Jacobson said St. John School District also has a Replacement Capital Levy on this year’s special election ballot for technology, safety, and security improvements.

Jacobson said that the levy is mainly to repair and replace playground equipment in preschool and K-5 programs.

“Both levies are replacement levies,” Jacobson said, noting that the Capital levy will be at a rate of $1.29/$1,000 assessed value, with an estimated levy amount of $345,605 in 2025, and an estimated amount of $354,245 in 2026.

Jacobson said that the state requires the school to have age-appropriate equipment and that they plan to do some landscaping to the elementary playground.

Concerning the project, Jacobson said they intend to have the kids help pick out the equipment for the playground. “That should be a fun project,” Jacobson said, adding that kids can help with the budget and have an educational experience.