Voters in Advance, Meadow Heights school districts approve ballot issues

Voters in the Advance and Meadow Heights school districts on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved two ballot issues, raising much-needed revenue, superintendents say, to stave off painful budget cuts.

By a count of 340 yes votes to 172, or 67 percent, voters in Advance's public school system approved a ballot measure asking to raise the operating tax levy by 25 cents, to $2.75 per $100 assessed valuation.

Advance superintendent Stan Seiler said he wasn't surprised by the numbers, but he is relieved -- and thankful.

"We just appreciate the support from the community. Our Advance community has been extremely supportive of our schools and they continue to be in difficult financial times," Seiler said.

The levy increase is expected to raise about $72,000 in additional annual revenue, enough, Advance school officials say, to maintain existing programs and avoid deep budget cuts.

"In our small district that will help quite a bit, help us to maintain facilities, retain qualified staff and programming," Seiler said.

The owner of a $100,000 home will pay about $47 more a year in property taxes.

Voting turnout was higher than the district's last bond issue, with a total of 512 votes cast compared to 450 in 2006.

Voters in the Meadow Heights School District approved a $600,000 borrowing plan with no increase in the current debt service property tax levy.

Superintendent Rob Huff said he was elated as the election results came in Tuesday. The bonds will help pay for maintenance, school buses, security and other facility improvements at the small rural school system.

"We've been meeting on our school improvement plan for the last several years, with what our needs were," Huff said. "We've already done a lot of planning; now it's the fun part."

mkittle@semissourian.com

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Patton, MO

Advance, MO