The Hillsboro R-3 School District is asking voters to approve a tax increase on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Funds from the levy increase, known as Proposition H, would support operational improvements like the construction of a secure entrance at the high school, and for fine arts and athletic facilities improvements, officials said.
On Aug. 20, the Board of Education voted unanimously to ask voters in the Nov. 3 election to approve a $1.39 operating levy increase. The new operating levy would be an estimated $4.8271 per $100 assessed valuation should the resolution be approved by a simple majority of voters.
If voters accept the increase, the school district would have the second highest total tax levy in Jefferson County, behind the Dunklin R-5 School District.
Discussion to place a levy increase on the ballot began in February after multiple residents suggested a higher tax levy was needed to make improvements at district facilities.
If the proposition passes, Superintendent Jon Isaacson said, any levy changes would not take effect until the 2027 tax year.
Hillsboro’s current total tax levy is $3.4371 per $100 assessed valuation. The district has lowered its tax rates for six consecutive years.
Isaacson also said the school district currently operates with the lowest tax rate in Jefferson County.
During a June 11 district budget workshop, Isaacson said the levy would be on the ballot in November to ensure the highest voter turnout.
A campaign committee, Citizens for Hillsboro Proposition H, was formed in September.
Documents filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission (MEC) list Hillsboro resident Jene Stacy as the committee chair and treasurer.
A survey was sent out to all staff, parents and community members with questions about the district’s facilities and a then-unspecified tax increase in July.
According to the survey, which received more than 500 responses, 69 percent of district employees were in full support of the increase, while 19 percent were likely to support, 3 percent were undecided, 3 percent were unlikely to support, and 6 percent were not in support.
Twenty-nine percent of the parents who responded to the survey were in full support, while 28 percent were likely to support and 30 percent were undecided.
Sixty-seven percent of community members were in full support of a potential increase.
