Board of Education encourages community to vote March 3

February 6, 2020 (Independence, IA) – The Independence Board of Education is calling for an election on March 3 to consider the approval of an updated Revenue Purpose Statement (RPS).

The RPS outlines how the district may use Secure an Advanced Vision of Education (SAVE) funds. More commonly referred to as the penny sales tax, SAVE funds are utilized by districts to specifically support school infrastructure and technology needs. If voters approve the RPS in March, The Independence CSD will continue to spend SAVE funds as Iowa law allows for the duration of the penny sales tax.

Superintendent Russell Reiter reminds voters that approving the RPS will not raise taxes, it simply allows the district to spend the funds as allowed by Iowa law. Independence current Revenue Purpose Statement will expire in 2031. The district is seeking voter approval of a new RPS that would extend for the duration of the penny sales tax (SAVE) which is allowed by Iowa law through the year 2050.

“Approving the Revenue Purpose Statement will allow the district to access future SAVE funds, but it will not change the current sales tax rate,” said Reiter. “The penny sales tax that funds SAVE will be collected across the state regardless of whether or not this measure is approved. This vote is in regards to how the district utilizes these funds.”

SAVE funds have helped finance many key infrastructure and technology projects in the district, including the new Junior/Senior High School building, renovations and additions at West Elementary, technology infrastructure and technology devices for students and staff, and much more.

If the new RPS is not approved, the district will need to spend SAVE funds in a manner previously allowed under the original RPS. A special ballot would be brought back to voters six months after the March 3 election.

For more information about the Revenue Purpose Statement or the vote on March 3, please contact the Independence Administration Office at (319) 334-7400.