This document provides information to residents of District 199 about an upcoming referendum on renewing the school's operating levy. It explains that the levy funds daily operations like teacher salaries, busing, and curriculum materials but not construction or renovation. Renewing the levy would not increase taxes as it is simply continuing the existing levy. Voting yes would help support student programs and staffing while keeping the district's taxes the lowest in the surrounding area. Failure to renew could result in over $2.8 million in cuts to staffing and programs.

1. District 199’s Levy Referendum Facts presented by: BASE for Kids (Building A Stronger Education for Kids) Helping keep our schools strong! Thank you for supporting our outstanding students and staff!

2. Thanks IGH – for a great learning environment! After: Before:

3. DID YOU KNOW….. District 199 residents have the opportunity to vote on a levy referendum on November 4 th ? Renewing the levy referendum will NOT increase your school taxes.

6. DID YOU KNOW….. Levy referenda are used as part of the general fund, not excess, but part of the overall budget Voting YES in the November election for the RENEWAL of the expiring operating levy will NOT increase your school taxes

7. DID YOU KNOW….. Prepared by Ehlers and Associates, Inc. IGH pays the lowest school taxes in 14 neighboring school districts!

8. DID YOU KNOW….. Voting YES will keep IGH as the lowest school taxed city within the 14 neighboring districts!

9. Cost to You School Tax Payments Average Home Value in IGH = $225,000 Current Levy Cost = $126.00 ANNUALLY; $10.50 MONTHLY New Levy Cost = $123.00 $10.25 Market Value Annual Current Levy Costs (Expiring) New 2009 Annual Levy Costs Difference $100,000 $56.00 $55.00 ($1.00) $125,000 $70.00 $68.00 ($2.00) $150,000 $84.00 $82.00 ($2.00) $175,000 $98.00 $95.00 ($3.00) $200,000 $112.00 $109.00 ($3.00) $225,000 $126.00 $123.00 ($3.00) $250,000 $140.00 $136.00 ($4.00) $275,000 $153.00 $150.00 ($3.00) $300,000 $167.00 $164.00 ($3.00) $350,000 $195.00 $191.00 ($4.00) $400,000 $223.00 $218.00 ($5.00) $450,000 $251.00 $245.00 ($6.00) $500,000 $279.00 $273.00 ($6.00) $600,000 $335.00 $327.00 ($8.00) $800,000 $446.00 $436.00 ($10.00) $1,000,000 $558.00 $545.00 ($13.00) $2,000,000 $1,116.00 $1,091.00 ($25.00)

10. DID YOU KNOW….. The operating levy is a 10 year continuation, a renewal of the existing operating levy at it’s current tax level. School taxes will not increase as a result of this levy renewal. They will remain at the rate set back in 1998.

11. DID YOU KNOW….. The revenues from this levy will help support student programs, staff and operation of school buildings.

12. Our district's percentage of spending on student instruction and support, over 72%, is above the state average and ranks 5 th highest among 12 area school districts! DID YOU KNOW…..

13. Market values are increasing, school taxes decreasing. School taxes in 2007 are lower than in 2001 for most district properties, even taking into account the estimated 9% increase in valuation per year. DID YOU KNOW…..

14. DID YOU KNOW….. Mandated programs by the State and Government are not always fully funded . The district has to pay for the remaining portion out of the general fund . In the past five years, the district has spent over $2 million funding these types of mandates.

15. DID YOU KNOW….. The district made $1.2 million in cuts for the 2008/2009 school year? Cuts Included: - Administrative Staff - Teaching staff - Electives - Family Science - Paraprofessionals - Supplies Results: Increased class sizes and less student support staff.