September 9 Ballot Issue  

Revenue Purpose Statement
 
On Tuesday, September 9, voters in the West Des Moines Community School District will be asked to elect two members to serve on the Board of Education.  Incumbents Tom Suckow and Terry Tobin are running unopposed.
 
In addition, voters will be asked to support or deny the expenditure of sales tax funds for a variety of purposes including renovation and construction at schools throughout the district.  This ballot issue is called the "Revenue Purpose Statement."
 
During the 2008 session, the Iowa Legislature enacted a statewide sales tax for school infrastructure.  This will go into effect in Polk County when the local sales tax for school infrastructure expires in 2010.  As part of the new law, voters can give the Board of Education permission to allocate the sales tax funds for school district construction projects.
 
Currently, the district is committed to completing renovation projects at Western Hills, Crestview and Indian Hills with proceeds from the local sales tax.  If the Revenue Purpose Statement ballot issue is approved, the district would begin planning for future projects, including remodeling at Crossroads Park, Stilwell and Walnut Creek Campus.  These projects were delayed due to lack of funds from the existing sales tax. 
 
Other priorities include:
· additional space for all-day kindergarten
· additional space for programs for special needs students
· improvements in the performing arts facility at Valley High School. 
· additional building improvement needs as identified by committees of staff and parents at each school.
 
As always, action taken on the expenditure of taxpayer funds for infrastructure or other purposes would occur at School Board meetings open to the public.
 
Remember to vote on Tuesday, September 9.