Central Lee needs voters to weigh in on SAVE funds

BALLOT ISSUE

One way or another after 2030, if we don't pass the revenue purpose statement, then we start having to use the general fund to pay for all those needs.”

Dr. Andy Crozier, Central Lee Superintendent.

DONNELLSON -  Residents of the Central Lee Community School District will consider renewing the district’s Revenue Purpose Statement (RPS) on Tuesday, March 3.
On that day, Superintendent Dr. Andy Crozier is hoping to have a special election at Central Lee High School to approve the district's intentionality with funds distributed by the state under the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) funds.
Those are funds collected as part of sales tax on goods purchased throughout the state and distributed based on a state formula. The funds can be used for specific educational expenses. Renewing the RPS will have no bearing on local property tax rates nor does it change the amount of SAVE revenue the district receives, but instead provides local authorization for how the existing funds may be used to best meet district needs now and in the future.
"Two years ago the state extended the sales tax funding through 2051 and, at that point, school districts across the state had a window up until 2030 to renew their revenue purpose statement to extend their ability to spend that on technology infrastructure, and transportation going forward," Crozier said.
"A lot of districts have already passed it. There are still a lot of districts that have to pass it over the next four years. One way or another after 2030, if we don't pass the revenue purpose statement, then we start having to use the general fund to pay for all those needs."
Crozier said the district does have a little time to pass the issue, but they should get it in front of voters sooner than later.
"If that would fail (in March) then we could go into the fall. It's 2026 so we have several opportunities. I think that it should pass without any issue, but we've got to do our due diligence and make sure we communicate it properly so people are aware of what we're doing," he said at Tuesday's regular meeting of the district's Board of Directors.
An RPS specifies how a school district may use its annual disbursement of statewide one-cent sales tax revenue provided through Iowa’s SAVE fund.
If approved, the RPS would continue to provide the district with flexibility to leverage SAVE funds for various school-related needs, including facility improvements, safety and security upgrades, technology purchases, transportation, and other infrastructure priorities permitted by state law.
“The Revenue Purpose Statement gives our district the flexibility to continue using SAVE funds in ways that most directly support student learning,” said Superintendent Dr. Andy Crozier. “From maintaining safe, functional facilities to investing in technology and infrastructure that support classroom instruction, these funds help ensure we can meet the needs of our students today while planning responsibly for the future.”
Approval of an RPS requires a simple majority. If the measure is renewed, it will remain in effect until 2051.
Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on election day. Polling locations and other voting information can be found at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections-voting.
Crozier said voting will likely take place on school campus, but the county oversees the process. The district needs to put the resolution approved by the board Tuesday unanimously in front of the county auditor by Jan. 19.
Residents with questions about the Revenue Purpose Statement are encouraged to contact the Central Lee Community School District for more information.