Mindy Greiling Helping Lead "Vote Yes" Campaign on District 623 Levy

Calling it a  “fiscally responsible approach to  maintaining our tradition of excellence,”  backers of an upcoming operating levy for Roseville District 623 schools have launched a “Vote YES" campaign with former state representative Mindy Greiling helping lead the initiative. 

The "Vote YES" group includes parents and community volunteers. Late last week, they announced their campaign, urging voters on Nov. 5 to approve what they say is a  “no frills”  operating  levy. 

The current levy, approved by voters in 2006, expires in 2014. Supporters said the existing levy has generated about $11.4 million annually in essential funding for teachers, staff, bussing, utilities and technology.

The new levy would essentially maintain programs and services at current levels while serving about 600 more students than when the previous levy first took effect, the group said.  

"The property tax implications are minimal, with no change in the first years and no more than cost of living increases in subsequent years," said Greiling, a DFL legislator who served in the House for 20 years before retiring at the end of the 2012 session. “Yet the return on investment on investment is exceptional. 

"By any measure, Roseville schools are among the tops in the state and even the nation." added Greiling, also a former Roseville School Board member. "Strong schools and engaged families contribute to the high quality of life we enjoy here."

Levy supporters said a recent survey showed that 89  percent of district residents  agreed their investment in District  623  schools  was  a good value.

They added that statistics bear out that notion: 

• 93  percent of the district’s graduates enroll in post-‐secondary education  or military after high school.
• Seven students were National Merit finalists last year with two named  National Merit scholarship winners.
• The district’s music and theater programs consistently earn state and   national recognition.

At the same time, Roseville school district property taxes remain among the  lowest in the east metro, according to levy supporters. School taxes on a  $250,000 home in District 623 are about $978 in 2013.

Homeowners of comparable houses in surrounding districts pay, on average,  $1,293 in school taxes, they said. 

Organizers of the  Vote YES  effort  are  urging supporters to attend a public hearing for the proposed levy. That session is scheduled for  7 p..m. Wednesday, Oct. 23 in the Roseville Area High School Auditorium. 

The group is also inviting people  to "like" the  "Vote Yes campaign on Facebook. (www.facebook.com/VoteYESRoseville).

For more information, check out the group's website at www.voteyesroseville.org.

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