Published: April 22, 2008 04:31 pm            

Board gives approval of current levy rates

FAYETTEVILLE — Fayette County Board of Education members voted unanimously last Tuesday evening to approve levy rates for the 2008-09 school year.

As Fayette County schools treasurer Annette Hughart pointed out, the levy rate is set by the state Legislature, while assessed property values are prepared by the Fayette County Assessor.

The vote, which was technically a continuation of a recessed March 17 meeting, is required to take place on April 15, Hughart noted. The financial figures she presented Tuesday showed $14.2 million in total projected net taxes from regular and excess levies for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009.

She explained that the county school system has two levies — current expense and excess. The former was approved Tuesday by the board. Fayette County voters, however, will determine on May 13 the outcome of a five-year excess levy renewal.

The current levy expires June 30, 2009. If endorsed by voters next month, the $37.6 million excess levy renewal would commence July 1, 2009, and extend until June 30, 2014. The excess levy amount was endorsed by board members at a meeting on Feb. 12.



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In other business, board members:

n Approved without dissent an increase in school meal prices. Students would see hikes of $0.10, while adult breakfasts and lunches would be raised by $0.40 and $0.50 respectively.

Effective with the 2008-09 school year, a student breakfast will cost $1.05, elementary school and middle school lunches will require $1.35, and high school lunches will be had for $1.45 apiece. An adult breakfast and lunch will cost $3 and $4 respectively.

- Applauded successful efforts by Joe Dean, Jeannie Ayers and several students from Fayetteville Elementary School to raise $34,654 for the American Heart Association via the Jump Rope For Heart program.

— E-mail:

mhill@register-herald.com

        

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