An overwhelming majority of Meadows Valley School District voters said "yes" Tuesday to a tax increase that will save shop classes and remedial education and counseling services.
Eighty-one percent of voters passed the $195,000 two-year supplemental levy. A simple majority was needed.
A total of 186 ballots were cast with 151 in favor and 35 against.
Had the levy failed, MV would have faced cutting not only jobs and education programs but appropriations for field trips, new textbooks and some of the sports programs as well.
The vote will enable MV to keep its industrial technology program and assistance to students failing state tests. It will also provide a cash reserve to cover whatever losses insurance won't pay for stemming from a March 25 fire. The fire destroyed the band room and covered the gym, weight room and classrooms with soot.
If all losses are covered in full, the $100,000 raised through the levy would go toward a sprinkler system for the school.
MV was seeking to renew a two-year levy of $130,000 that 71percent of district voters approved two years ago.
Here is what the new levy will pay for:
$50,000 for shop classes and teacher.
$25,000 for retaining staffing, supplies and materials in other existing programs.
$20,000 for assistance with attaining proficiency on state-mandated tests.
$50,000 to meet state accreditation recommendations for guidance and counseling.
$50,000 to replace items destroyed by fire not covered by the district's insurer.
