Dear BU Community:
On the May ballot this spring, Berne Union Local Schools is seeking a
continuing renewal of the current earned income operating levy to ensure financial stability for the district.
The current 2% earned income tax operating levy, set to expire in 2024, funds $2 million per year — nearly 18% percent—of the district’s operating budget.
I am writing today to share a few key facts about the levy request.
- The request is a RENEWAL of the district’s 2% earned income tax—it will NOT raise your tax rate! The earned income operating levy provides the same funding levels we currently operate with and is CRITICAL to our district.
- The tax is applied to EARNED INCOME ONLY. The renewal is NOT a tax on retirement, social security or other non-earned income.
- The operating RENEWAL is not related to construction of a new school facility – the one-time funds for the school construction are NOT part of the operating renewal funds.
- As a continuing renewal, it PROVIDES LONG-TERM FINANCIAL STABILITY for our schools so we can continue to provide excellent education opportunities for our kids now and in the future. We will not have the same challenges that other districts in our county have faced with failed levy campaigns and operational cuts. This means we are ensuring a quality education for Rockets for generations to come!
If you have any questions about this request, please feel free to contact me directly. Thank you for being part of our wonderful BU community!
Jon Parker
Superintendent of Schools