We met with Kirtland School Superintendent Mr. Bill Wade yesterday. We found Mr. Wade to be kind, personable, and gracious with his time; he is very well informed about the property tax issues and their impact on Kirtland schools and the residents.

www.kirtlandschools.org/SuperintendentofSchools.aspx

An interesting statistic we learned: 75% of Kirtland residents do not have a child in the Kirtland schools.

With the severe lack of funding from the State, Kirtland residents are in a very difficult position.  The school’s survival depends a great deal on the resident’s support for the renewal levy on the May ballot since 75.6 % of their funding comes from local property taxes (State average is 42.6%).

The old State funding formula provides only $636.17 per pupil, while similar districts receive $2,550.21, and the State average for all schools is $4,024.25.  Kirtland residents are getting only 15.8% of the State average [$636.17 / $4,024.25].  Although the new State funding formula will provide additional resources, it will not replace the $1.45 million that the renewal levy will provide.   The new funding formula will only postpone the need for a new future levy, but new levies are inevitable for all public schools.

Kirtland is very fortunate to have such a capable person leading their public school.  We wish him great success in his career.

We look forward to speaking to Kirtland residents about property taxes on April 16th from 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm at the Kirtland library.

Categories: Kirtland

Tags: FT