Would Ladue School District Voters Support A Tax Levy Increase?

Members of the Lade School Board got a glimpse of a district-wide survey that included questions gauging the public’s appetite for a tax levy.

According to the survey’s general summary, the questionnaire, compiled by Stilwell, Kansas-based Patron Insight shows “a patron population that is very satisfied with the performance of its school district, and that is very aware of the steps that were taken by the district to deal with the financial challenges it was facing coming into this budget year.”

The summary went on to say people within the school district “have some concerns about future changes that might be required (should the financial picture continue to be difficult), are at least at this point still somewhat cautious in their level of support for a potential increase in the operating tax levy.”

The survey found that 47 percent of respondents support the idea of an operating tax levy. Roughly 42 percent said they would support a levy resulting in a $698 increase for the average homeowner; 45 percent would support a $543 increase and 49 percent would support a $388 increase.

The survey featured the responses of 600 registered voters within the Ladue School District. The poll’s margin of error was 4 percent.

“As you can see, we’re staying pretty much in the same ballpark when we’re talking about the idea of the three tax levels,” said Ken DeSieghardt, CEO of Patron Insight. “Although when we move to that lowest level, we do get a meaningful jump. So add plus or minus of four to all of those numbers to sort of give you the idea of what the support level is as far as a range.”

Respondents were supportive of “phasing-in if there was sufficient support at the higher levels.” About 68 percent would be more likely to vote in favor of such a move, while 30 percent say it would make no difference.

“The idea here was just to see if there would be interest and if that matched up with support at the highest tax level,” DeSieghardt said. “And it doesn’t quite match up, although it seems to be an interesting idea for folks.”

Board Member Audrey Mack said that since numbers don’t typically move much between now and election day, she’s concerned that the district doesn’t have the support “to go out for a tax levy” even at lower levels.

“I understand we only need 50 percent plus one vote,” Mack said. “But we only have a 49 percent support level at [a 50-cent increase]. So give me your experience and comments on what that really means in terms of support of getting this passed.”

“It means that from a messaging standpoint, whatever you decide to do from a messaging standpoint you have to be very precise,” responded DeSieghardt. “You have to talk in specific terms about what it will do and what it won’t do.”

Board Member Stacy Washington echoed some of Mack’s concerns about support levels for a tax levy.

“Even if we go there, it’s still a very tough sell with the plus or minus four percent,” Washington said. “If you take the very worst, which is minus 4 percent and we add on 3 percent, we still don’t have 50 percent on the 50-cent level. So, even if we go with your tack of we have some pluses or whatever you call them – people who are strongly in favor and people who stay home – the likelihood of that actually panning out is probably not very high.”

The survey also took a look at other areas of the school district. On a five-point scale rating a number of the district’s features, the survey found residents of the district gave high marks for Ladue School District’s teachers, quality of education and building administrators.

The survey reported lower scores for the district’s responsiveness to patron concerns, district administration and the district’s efforts to report its progress and progress to patrons.

“They’re still all over a ‘B,’” said DeSieghardt.  

OTHER FINDINGS

The survey also found that patrons appeared to be aware of steps being taken by the district deal with the budget situation, including the layoff of teachers, offering early retirement, making general cuts to programs and combining or reducing bus routes.

Respondents were also asked about what would be their greatest concern if further cuts are needed. About 91 percent were concerned about increased class sizes and 90 percent were worried about elementary program cuts.

On the other hand, only 42 percent were concerned about having to contribute to pay for transportation.