I'd like to thank the voters of Mount Vernon for their strong support of our replacement Maintenance and Operations (M&O) and Technology Levies.  The February 9 Special Election was certified on February 24.  The final tally reflects an approval rating of  66.23% for our M&O Levy and 62.50% for our Technology Levy.

In planning for this election, our School Board wisely chose to deliver a "no new taxes" resolution to voters.  In 2011 (the first year of the replacement levies), the combined dollar amount of both measures will remain the same as the amount we collect in 2010 from our existing levies.  The rate per thousand will remain the same as well.  In 2012, when we expect the assessed valuation to grow by a modest 3%, the rate per thousand is expected to remain unchanged.

But as we all know, times are tough.  And with many people unemployed or underemployed, placing any tax measure before the voters is a nerve-wracking proposition.  Mount Vernon voters' support reflects their understanding of the importance of our public schools as well as the challenges we face as the state works to close a $2.8 billion budget gap by cutting wherever possible. 

Though we will not know the extent of state budget reductions until the Legislature adjourns towards the end of March, additional cuts to public schools are a foregone conclusion.  The recently approved replacement M&O Levy will help ease the negative impact on Mount Vernon Schools in areas such as class size and support services for students.  Passage of our replacement Technology Levy, while substantially scaled back from the current amount, will allow us to continue replacing outdated computers for students and teachers and provide other technology tools and training for teachers.

Again, a heartfelt "Thank You!" to Mount Vernon voters.  We do not take your support lightly and are committed to using your resources wisely.