Will Prop E pay for teaching interventionists?
Prop E does not include permanent funding for the 34 teaching interventionists hired using federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds. These COVID relief funds end at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year.
The district estimates it would take an additional 13 cents in tax rate to permanently fund these positions, and an additional 8 cents to permanently fund other ESSER-funded programs, like after school clubs and tutoring and mental health supports. The board has indicated a strong desire to keep these 34 teachers, and is considering ways to fund these positions in the future. This could lead the board to place another tax levy increase on the ballot for voters to consider in November 2023 or April 2024.
When was the last time Mehlville asked voters to increase taxes?
The last time Mehlville School District went to the voters to ask for an operating tax rate increase was in 2015. Proposition R (Restore) was put on the ballot to restore cuts the district had made to programs and services for students. Prop R passed with 72.5% of the votes.
Mehlville School District asked voters for Prop A in April 2016 and Prop S in April 2021. Neither measure increased the tax rate, and both measures were passed.
Prop R, Prop A and Prop S addressed facility needs or restoring staff positions or programs. None of these propositions improved pay to attract and retain staff.
How many votes are required for passage of Prop E?
To pass, Prop E needs a simple majority yes vote of more than 50 percent.
When is the election?
The election takes place on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
St. Louis County provides two options for early voting. Absentee voting begins on Feb. 21 for registered voters with an excuse. Early voting begins on March 21, 2023, for any registered voter. Learn more about absentee voting and early voting.
The deadline to register to vote in the April 4 election is March 8, 2023. Learn more about who can vote and get registered.
How will Prop E appear on the ballot?
PROPOSITION E
Shall the Board of Education of the Mehlville R-9 School District be authorized to increase the operating tax levy of the District for the purposes of increasing employee salaries to become competitive in the region and to attract and retain high-quality teachers and other essential workers; and fund ongoing operating expenses by $.31 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation? If this proposition is approved, the adjusted operating levy of the District is estimated to be $3.9884 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation.
If you have questions about Prop E, please contact Mehlville School District via email at [email protected] or by calling 314-467-5000.