KELLOGG — The Kellogg School District has launched a new webpage devoted to its proposed replacement supplemental levy. 

The proposed measure is a two-year, $7.048 million levy, or $3.52 million per year, replacing the district’s current supplemental levy with an annual increase of $565,950. The levy represents roughly 30% of the district’s annual budget. A similar levy proposal failed to receive enough votes to pass in November. 

District officials said many patrons expressed that they did not feel they had sufficient information to support the levy, prompting the district to seek additional ways to present the details to voters. 

After receiving numerous similar questions about the proposal, district leaders determined it would be easier to create a centralized landing page with comprehensive information. The webpage includes an overview of the levy, a recent history of district levies, and details on how levy funds are spent. 

“Following the November result, we worked to make that information even clearer and easier to access through our website, social media, and printed materials,” KSD Board Chairperson Alexa Griffin said. “We believe transparency builds trust, and it’s important that our community understands how vital these funds are to supporting our students and schools.” 

Previously, the district shared a general list of programs that would be affected by a loss of levy funding. The new webpage provides more detailed explanations. 

The proposed levy is divided into three categories, representing the $3.5 million-per-year levy: student opportunities, educational opportunities, and safety and operations. 

Student opportunities account for $694,640 of the proposed levy and include athletics at Kellogg Middle School and High School, the Marine Corps JROTC program at Kellogg High School, and foreign language programs at both schools. At the district’s two elementary schools, funded programs include full-day kindergarten, music, physical education and computer education. The category also covers the district’s advanced online course options. 

Educational opportunities, totaling $1,136,021, fund several teaching positions, including salaries and benefits, classroom and instructional aides, and instructional materials. 

The remaining $1,693,689 is allocated to safety and operations. These funds support student transportation, the district nurse, janitorial services, heating and lighting costs, and the district’s information technology staff. 

While the information on the website represents a snapshot of district spending, Griffin said she hopes visitors gain a better understanding of the services the district provides. 

The site also highlights the district’s efforts to maximize grants, donations and other non-levy funding sources for facility improvements and special projects, helping ensure levy funds are used responsibly. 

“Each time the district has brought a levy to our voters, we’ve tried to communicate, as best we can, just how important these funds are for our students, families, and community as a whole,” Griffin said. “We hope that by sharing detailed financial information, including historic budgets and audits, people continue to support our district.” 

Community members are encouraged to visit the webpage regularly, as additional materials, including frequently asked questions, will be added as they become available. 

The proposed replacement levy will appear on the ballot during the May 19 primary election. 

For more information or to view the webpage, visit the Kellogg School District website and navigate to the school board tab. 

    Alexa Griffin