Great Schools = Great Community

The district’s goal is to share clear information, explain trade-offs, and listen to families, staff, students, and residents before recommending a course of action to the Board of Education.

The Operating Levy (General Fund and Teachers Fund) helps pay for the day-to-day work of schools, including salaries, benefits, supplies, and all other operational expenses. Debt Service revenue is like a mortgage payment used for the principal and interest on voter-approved bonds and is generally used for facilities or “bricks and mortar.”

KSD’s 2025 total tax rate is lower than that of our peer districts in the Kansas City metro region. KSD’s total tax rate has also declined by $0.92 since 2018. The district’s 2025 total tax rate ranged from $0.32 to $1.90 lower than other area school districts.

The state relies on cigarette, tobacco, gaming, and lottery revenue to fund public education. This revenue stream has been negatively impacted by online gambling, which has not generated the expected revenue.

KSD has taken several steps to control costs since 2023:

• Eliminating the operational expense of a fifth elementary school
• Reducing district and building budgets
• Reducing staff through employee attrition
• Moving to self-insurance
• Optimizing investment strategies
• Minimizing the FY27 compensation increase

These steps reduced costs and helped the district manage short-term pressures; however, they are insufficient in addressing current state funding shortfalls.

KSD has optimized investment strategies as one way to make better use of available district funds.

Residential growth is projected on the horizon. However, several factors can affect school enrollment: lower birth rates, the economy, home prices, and the age of prospective buyers. The data suggests that if 1000 homes are built over the next 20 years, it could bring 400 K-12 students, optimistically.

Decisions in the state legislature directly affect our schools. Last year, KSD did not receive $656,000 in state funds, reflecting the difference between the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s FY26 funding request and the final state allocation for our schools. It’s anticipated that the gap will grow in FY27. In addition, KSD did not realize approximately $230,000 due to the passage of SB190, commonly referred to as the senior citizen tax credit, as 25% of the community is eligible for the program.

Strategy 1 suggests increasing the Teachers’ Fund by $0.30 and the district voluntarily rolling back the debt service levy by $0.30. The tax levy would not change. Taxes would change if there is an increase in assessment by the county. This is only a short-term solution as the district faces deteriorating state funding.

Strategy 2 suggests increasing the Teachers’ Fund by $0.60 and the district voluntarily rolling back the debt service levy by $0.30. The tax levy would increase by $0.30 but would remain the lowest levy in the Kansas City metro area. The district believes this to be a more viable long-term solution. See the calculator above to forecast the impact on your household.

Residents age 62+ who are enrolled in the county’s senior tax credit will not be impacted by Strategy 1 or Strategy 2 concerning real property. Strategy 2 will affect personal property taxes.

Yes. The increased revenue in the Teachers’ Fund will relieve the general or incidental fund, allowing for classified salary increases.

Yes. Our most recent demographic study does not indicate the need for an additional school in the foreseeable future, which would require tens of millions of dollars. Our bonding capacity is sufficient to improve our existing properties.

Last spring, KSD brought together parents, staff, and community members to generate a list of potential options if revenue is insufficient. Click “Possible Disruptions” above to see that list.

Funding for operational costs and facility improvements are two separate revenue streams. The district’s budget is reliant on general obligation bonds to address ongoing deferred maintenance. Costs compound and increase if left unaddressed.

KSD is still reviewing facility conditions and assessing needs, so no final project list has been drafted. The preliminary projects include the following: 

• Safety and security updates
• Renovations and/or deferred maintenance projects (including upgrades to practical and fine arts equipment, updated kitchen equipment, roof repairs or replacements, HVAC, etc.)
• Athletic and activities upgrades (potentially including updates to the baseball and softball fields, track and field upgrades and adding visitors’ stadium restrooms and concessions, etc.)

KSD posts financial reports, audit reports, budget documents, and Annual Secretary of the Board Report materials on the district’s Public Accountability & Compliance page. Financial reports are posted monthly and are also available through the Board of Education’s Simbli portal.