In a split decision, the Owensboro Public Schools Board of Education ruled in favor of increasing the real and personal property tax rate by .19 cents. Officials said that should equate to an estimated 4% increase in total revenue that will go toward funding raises for teachers and staff throughout the district.
OPS Superintendent Matthew Constant previously said raising the rate from 84.9 to 86.8 cents per $100 of assessed value would bring in approximately $13.9 million in tax revenue, which would be about a $517,000 increase.
At 86.8 cents, that means a homeowner will now pay $866 a year for a home valued at $100,000.
Constant said previously to give a 1% raise to all OPS staff costs $500,000. While they gave a 1% raise this year, OPS didn’t give out raises the two years prior.
Before the voting occurred Thursday, each board member was able to express their thoughts on the order.
Leigh Rhoads Doyal said she has seen studies that show that impacting the teacher’s salary is the most effective use of a school district’s money. Rhoads Doyal said by increasing the pay they are in turn helping with student achievement and also teacher retention rates.
“Unfortunately, right now we are in danger of losing the best of these teachers — to burnout, to other districts or other professions. OPS needs to show appreciation for excellent teachers,” Rhoads Doyal said.
Jeremy Luckett said he is in favor of the teachers receiving raises, but he was in favor of accepting exonerations instead of the rate increase. According to Luckett, the difference in revenue between accepting exonerations instead would be roughly $13 million, which is a rather small amount to him given the budget.
“I think that with increases in property value that we likely will get that money back. Everybody has had a tough year, and I just think it would be more responsible to take that approach,” Luckett said.
Similarly, Jeremy Edge agreed in allowing for the exonerations to help pay for the raise, saying the board should “keep the tax rate the same as it is today.”
Vice-Chair Michael Johnson said after looking at what the teachers dealt with and how they responded during the pandemic, he thought the tax increase was something everyone can get behind.
Board Chair Melissa Decker said she supports the funding because while it may mean she may have to make small adjustments to life, she’s willing to do it for the benefit of the teachers in the system.
“Certainly the needs of our children increase every year. That’s just the fact they need more and more from us. And I’m happy myself to do without a little something … because I see it as an investment in the future,” Decker said.
The vote ended up passing 3-2 with Decker, Johnson and Rhoads Doyle voting in favor.
In other business, George Powell, director of student services, said that the system is reporting a small decrease in population. On Aug. 24, they reported 4,815 students enrolled (excluding preschool students), compared to 4,963 students in the 2019-20 school year. Superintendent Dr. Matthew Constant said the staff is sitting at 879 employees across the system.
Chris Bozarth, director of maintenance & technology, said that Cravens Elementary has started well and is 95% through with phase one of renovations. The board approved two action items for Cravens regarding power changes, other details missed and the removal of a tree.
