Cape School District keeps tax rate stable

The Cape Girardeau School District's total tax rate for 2015-2016 will remain at $4.1567 per $100 of assessed valuation, board members voted during a special meeting Monday.

Neil Glass, assistant superintendent of administrative services, said the district's total assessed valuation is $633,657,242 -- a 2.3 percent increase over last year.

The maximum amount was levied in the general fund at $3.4856, Glass said, and the remainder of the tax rate will be levied in the debt service fund at $0.6711.

"So, the overall tax rate will remain the same, as promised to the voters," Glass said.

Residents were allowed to speak at the hearing, but no one from the public attended. Tax rates are set to produce revenue from property taxes, required for the budget.

After the special meeting, board members gathered for regular session, where they approved the testing plan, bus routes and professional development plan for the 2015-2016 school year.

The Assessment Standard for Missouri Public Schools requires the local school board to review and approve the local assessment program. A complete copy of this year's testing plan is kept at the district's administrative office and each principal's office.

The approved professional development plan outlines goals and strategies for buildings throughout the district.

The board also approved a $25 reimbursement rate per unused accumulated sick-leave day upon retirement. Board members then approved a $15 per day reimbursement rate for unused sick-leave days in excess of the maximum accumulation. The district annually will reimburse up to 10 unused sick-leave days.

At the end of the meeting, the Cape Public Schools Foundation presented a $1,000 check to recent Central High School graduate Payton Ayers, with the money going toward his education at Southeast Missouri State University.

klamb@semissourian.com

388-3639

Pertinent address:

301 N. Clark St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.