LOB Mail Ballot Information
CLICK HERE to see an Informational Video regarding the mail ballot election
General Information
Mulvane Public Schools
Mail Ballot Election May 21, 2015
At the March 30, 2015 Board of Education meeting, the Mulvane Board of Education voted to authorize a Mail Ballot Election for the purpose of gaining the budget authority to increase the Local Option Budget (LOB) from 30% to 33%. The statutory limit is currently 30% of the district’s general fund. During the 2014 legislative session a law was passed that gave school districts the ability to increase the LOB 3%. In order to access the additional 3% (30% to 33%), a vote by mail ballot must be held and approved by the patrons of the district. An increase of 3% would equate to approximately $342,815 additional dollars for USD 263.
The Board of Education has effectively managed the declining financial support from the State of Kansas. It is not the Board of Education’s intent to automatically increase the LOB if the measure passes. If needed, an increase of the LOB would give the Board of Education the flexibility to offset additional funding cuts or increased operational expenses.
BALLOT LANGUAGE
“Shall the Board of Education of Unified School District No. 263, Sedgwick County, State of Kansas, be authorized to increase its local option budget authority by an additional 3% (from 30% to 33%) of its state financial aid?”
To vote in favor, vote “YES”
To vote against, vote “NO”
What does a vote in favor mean?
It allows the district the flexibility to increase the maximum budget authority from 30% to 33%. The funds would be used to help with the daily operation of the district.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Local Option Budget (LOB)
What is a Local Option Budget? A Local Option Budget (LOB) is a way that residents fund their local school district. It is a local source of funding and vital part of the overall budget.
What is the district’s current LOB?
Currently the LOB for the Mulvane School District is set at 30%.
Why does the district need a Local Option Budget election? The Board of Education projects a reduction of $251,597 in state aid from the educational block grants that have been put in place for the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 school years. Over the past 8 years the district has been cut over 1 million dollars in state aid.
How is the Local Option Budget used?
A district’s Local Option Budget can be used for a variety of purposes that fall under the general operation of the school district. This includes paying for utilities, property insurance, teacher supplies, technology, teacher salaries, and other operational expenses.
What is the Board of Education Requesting?
The Board of Education is requesting the authority to increase the local option budget by up to 3% (from 30% to 33%) of its state general fund.
What is the impact on my tax rate?
Based on current known factors, there is a $11.50 tax rate increase associated with each mil on a $100,000 home.
What happens if the Local Option Budget election does not pass?
If the Local Option Budget election is not successful the board of education may need to make budget reductions and/or reallocations.
How does a mail in ballot work?
The Sedgwick County Election Office will mail a ballot to all registered voters around May 21, 2015. Simply mark your choice on the ballot and send it back in the postage paid and preaddressed envelope that will accompany the ballot.
How do I find out more information?
Mulvane Schools will keep voters informed about the Local Option Budget election on our website at www.usd 263.com. For more information about the voter registration process, visit the Sedgwick County Election Office website (www.sedgwickcounty.org/elections)
Important Dates Regarding the Local Option Budget Election
May 8, 2015 Last day to register and receive ballot automatically
May 19, 2015 Registration closes
May 21, 2015 Ballots are delivered to all voters
June 9, 2015 Ballots must be received by noon in the Sedgwick County Election Office, 510 N Main #101 Wichita, KS 67203
