More than 20 programs supported by levy dollars

ROYAL CITY - A $1.35 million levy may seem big to a small community like the Royal School District, but there is a lot to support with this levy.

More than 20 programs or departments receive support from levy funds. They range from all student clubs to music performances.

The levy election is set for Tuesday, February 11. Ballots should be arriving in the mail as of Jan. 24.

"The levy is essential to maintaining education programs and extra-curricular activities for the students," business manager David Andra said.

After much discussion, the school board settled on levy requests of $1,350,000 in 2014 and $1,370,000 in 2015. That works out to $2.20 per $1,000 assessed value on all properties each year, or a yearly tax of $220 for a $100,000 home. Voters approved a tax rate of $2.30 in 2012.

If the voters approve the levy, it will not create a new tax. It will replace the tax of the last two years. The amount works out to about 15 percent of the district's total budget.

Voters have consistently passed Royal's school levy. It has never failed. The last one garnered 62 percent of the vote, and only 50 percent plus one vote is required for passage.

In addition to receiving the levy funds if the levy is approved, the district will receive levy equalization funds from the state. In 2012 that amount was $1.3 million.

Programs and departments supported by levy dollars include all student clubs, baseball, basketball, cheerleading, classroom supplies, cross-country, field trips, football, golf, instructional materials, liability insurance and utilities.

Other programs and departments include maintenance of district facilities, music performances, professional development, school nurses, soccer, softball, special programs, student transportation, technology, tennis, textbooks, track and field, volleyball and wrestling.