Explains instructional support levy

Dear Editor,

The Clarke Community School Board of Directors took action last week in their regular meeting of Monday, Feb. 22 that enacted an Instructional Support Levy (ISL). This was a smart step toward establishing financial stability in these rocky times.

First, the passage of the ISL keeps our voted physical plant and equipment levy fully funded for the 2010-2011 school year. Both the income surtax and property tax collected for our physical plant will remain totally intact. That is a good thing.

Second, the ISL allows the district to vastly reduce the asking for cash reserve. Cash reserve is totally local property tax, but doesn't come with the authority to spend it. It is only used to fill the gap between what was planned on coming is as revenue and what really came in as revenue. That is a good thing to replace.

Third, the ISL is good for only five years by Iowa law. A board enacted ISL can only last for five years.

Fourth, Clarke joins the other 340 plus school districts in Iowa that already have an Instructional Support Levy. There also used to be a state match for a small portion of the ISL, but that was eliminated by the governor in his proposed budget for next year.

Thanks for all the concern we at Clarke CSD have heard from the public about our well used and supported physical plant and equipment levy. It is not going to change.

Ned Cox, Clarke School District Superintendent