Proposition G is on the June 2, 2020 election ballot. While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the District’s short-term operations, it has not changed the District’s long-term facility needs to support our growing enrollment.
THE PROPOSITION
Shall the Board of Education of Orchard Farm R-V School District be authorized to increase the operating tax levy of the District by $0.55 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation for the purpose of funding the costs of capital projects including construction of a new high school?
If this question is approved, the adjusted operating levy of the District is estimated to be $4.2467 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation.
THE NEED
In the last 5 years, the District has engaged the community in two significant efforts to best plan for our future (Future Ready & Strategic Vision). As a result, classroom additions were completed at Discovery Elementary, Orchard Farm Middle, Orchard Farm High, and the Early Learning Center. Enrollment continues to grow and is currently outpacing the demographer projections. For example, K-5 enrollment is ahead of the projected "high growth" for 2024. Additionally, the three smallest grade levels in the district are all at the High School.
 
Following the Strategic Vision Committee's work in 2017, the District's attempts to expand the main campus were not successful. In 2018, using Prop R funds, the district purchased 100 acres on the intersection of Highway B and Boschertown Road. A new high school at that site would increase space for all grade levels and meet the demands of our growing enrollment.
 
TAX RATE
Currently, the District has the lowest combined tax rate (Operating Levy of $3.6967 and Debt Levy of 73¢) in St. Charles County, 23¢ lower than the next closest district. The OFSD has not asked for a tax increase in 16 years, the last increase was in 2004. The tax increase will be necessary to construct a new facility. The District determined the construction of a new high school will require a 55¢ tax increase. The average home value in the Orchard Farm School District is $208,000, which would result in an increase of $18 a month.
 
AVERAGE COST PER STUDENT
PROPOSITION G VIDEO PRESENTATION
Resources
St. Charles County Assessors Office (Look up home value)
St. Charles County Election Authority
STLToday New Town Growth Article |