Revenue Purpose Statement

Vote November 5, 2019

During the 2019 legislative session, the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) statewide penny tax was extended through January 1, 2051. In order to use these funds, each Iowa school district needs to have its voters approve a revised Revenue Purpose Statement that aligns to the legislative changes. This is not a vote on the tax, but rather on how the District utilizes the funds generated by this statewide tax. The current Revenue Purpose Statement was originally passed in 2009. Voters in the Southeast Polk Community School District will vote on the revised Revenue Purpose Statement on November 5, 2019.

The revised Revenue Purpose Statement is intended to be used in the following manner:

To provide funds for property tax relief
To provide funds for technology infrastructure
To provide funds for school safety and security infrastructure
To provide funds to build, remodel, reconstruct, repair, improve, or demolish school buildings
To provide funds to purchase, lease, or lease-purchase buildings, equipment, or technology and to repair transportation equipment
To provide funds to implement energy conservation measures
To provide funds for emergency demolition, cleanup, and repairs due to natural disasters
To provide funds to establish and maintain public recreational areas and playgrounds
To provide funds for the payment of principal and interest or retirement of general obligation bonds issued for school infrastructure purposes and tax revenue bonds
To provide funds for other authorized purposes permitted by law

This is not additional funding or taxation for residents. Renewing the revised Revenue Purpose Statement will allow for maximum flexibility as we continue to plan for the future needs of the District. If approved, this Revenue Purpose Statement shall remain in effect until replaced or amended by the Southeast Polk Community School District.

Election Date: Tuesday, November 5, 2019

For additional information on how to get registered to vote or to find your polling place please visit the Iowa Secretary of State Website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Revenue Purpose Statement?

The Revenue Purpose Statement (RPS) describes how school districts can utilize the penny sales tax/Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) funds that the State of Iowa has dedicated to Iowa schools. Voters in each public school district in Iowa must pass a revised RPS in order to use the funds as allowed by law.

Do we currently have a Revenue Purpose Statement?

We have a current RPS that allows the Southeast Polk Community School District to spend SAVE funds; however, this will expire January 31, 2031.

Will this raise my Taxes?

This will NOT raise your taxes. SAVE is a statewide sales tax and the vote does not change the overall state sales tax.

How have SAVE funds been used in the past?

In the past, SAVE funds were used to supplement the construction of the current high school and both Clay and Mitchellville Elementary Schools. The District has also been able to enhance its technology infrastructure across the District and modernized our athletic complexes. Whether replacing a roof, HVAC system, installing cost-effective and energy-efficient lighting or the remodeling of restrooms, every school building has been improved with these funds.

What is considered to be a school building?

A school building is any physical infrastructure owned or lease-purchased by the school district including but not limited to an educational facility, support services building, bus garages, welcome centers, athletic structures, and storage facilities.

When will the Revenue Purpose Statement vote be held?

The election is November 5, 2019. A simple majority (50% + 1) is needed for the RPS to pass.

What if the Revenue Purpose Statement is not approved?

If the revised RPS is not approved, the District will need to spend SAVE funds in a manner previously allowed under the original RPS. A special ballot can be brought back to voters not less than six months after the previous election.

Where Can I Get Additional Information?

If you have a question about the Revenue Purpose Statement or vote on November 5, 2019, please email Kevin Baccam at Kevin.Baccam@southeastpolk.org

Public Notices of School Election