Proposition S / Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the District have a measure on the August 2, 2022 ballot?

Yes. The District’s Proposition S, a NO-TAX-RATE INCREASE bond issue, is on the August 2, 2022 election ballot.

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❓ Who determined that there should be a bond issue, the specific items to be included and the amount?

On Tuesday, May 10, the Board of Education of the City of St. Louis approved a resolution to place a $160 million, no tax increase bond issue, Proposition S, on the August 2, 2022 election ballot. Click on the question to learn more.

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❓ How will the bond issue read on the ballot?

Click on the question to see how the bond issue will appear.

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❓ What is the difference between a bond issue and a tax levy?

A BOND ISSUE is used to generate funds for maintaining or improving district facilities, or for equipment/technology. A TAX LEVY is a tax rate on property and is primarily used to generate operating funds for day-to-day expenses. Unless otherwise designated, a tax levy is permanent. Click on the question to learn more.

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❓ How will bond issue funds be used?

✔️SAFE SCHOOLS – Facility and Environmental Restoration/Modernization
✔️SECURE SCHOOLS - Infrastructure Improvements/Safety and Security
✔️STRUCTURALLY SOUND SCHOOLS - Common Area Renovations

Click on the question for details.

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❓ Did the District complete all the projects requested in 2010?

Yes, all 362 projects were completed in a timely manner and under budget. Over five years, the District completed improvements and upgrades at all schools. Click on the question to learn more.

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❓ What happened to the funds that were saved with the close of schools in 2021?

The District reallocated savings realized from closed schools to new support positions and services as promised. The District hired more nurses, counselors, tutors, social workers, custodians and created new academic opportunities through electives and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

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❓ What is the difference between operating funds and capital funds?

OPERATING FUNDS are unrestricted and may be used for, as examples, employee salaries and benefits, supplies and materials and routine custodial and utilities costs.

CAPITAL FUNDS (PROP S) are used for the purchase of buildings and equipment, erection of buildings, renovation of existing buildings and the purchase of capital equipment items such as computers (and other technology items).

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❓ When was the last time the District passed a bond issue?

The District’s last bond issue was August 3, 2010. Also called Proposition S, the $155 million bond measure passed by nearly 75 percent. Click on the question for more information.

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❓ Why is the Saint Louis Public Schools submitting a bond issue to voters?

Thanks to a successful bond issue in 2010, a great many improvements and upgrades were made district wide. However, given the age of our schools and all major systems in each, it is important that we move forward with a new plan and a more expansive list of projects.

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❓ What more can you tell me about the projects included in the Bond Issue?

Prop S will provide funding for many district-wide projects. For the most part these renovations mirror the same type of renovations that all of the district’s homeowners have experienced. Click on the question for more information.

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❓ What percentage of votes is needed to pass the bond issue?

Prop S requires a four-sevenths (or 57.14%) “YES” vote in order to pass on August 2, 2022.

In 1988, Missouri voters approved an amendment to Article XI, 26(b) of the Missouri Constitution stating that “…the vote required shall be four-sevenths at the general municipal election day, primary or general elections and two-thirds at all other elections.” The August 2022 election is a general municipal election.

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❓ What will happen if the bond issue does not pass?

Prop S requires a four-sevenths (or 57.14%) “YES” vote in order to pass on August 2, 2022.
In 1988, Missouri voters approved an amendment to Article XI, 26(b) of the Missouri Constitution stating that “…the vote required shall be four-sevenths at the general municipal election day, primary or general elections and two-thirds at all other elections.” The August 2022 election is a general municipal election.

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❓ How much will my taxes increase if this measure passes?

Proposition S is a NO-TAX-RATE increase bond issue, which means residents will not pay more in taxes due to this measure. A NO-TAX-RATE increase bond issue is an agreement to keep taxes at or below the current rate.

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❓ What if I do not have children in the Saint Louis Public Schools?

If passed, the scope of work provided by PROP S would help support property values. In addition, the completed projects are in line with improvements that are ongoing across our communities.

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❓ Will every school benefit from Prop S?

Yes, every student, all staff and all schools will benefit from Prop S funds!

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❓ Are Magnet schools included in Prop S?

Yes, all schools, offices and facilities will receive improvements, upgrades and more, specific to the needs in those buildings and on those grounds.

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❓ If Prop S passes, will the District lose their ESSER funds?

No, the two are not connected. ESSER funds are one-time funds from the American Rescue Plan and they are to be used for pandemic recovery. We need to significantly improve our facilities and that is why a bond issue is needed. Bond issues are how school districts raise money for renovations, repairs and construction.

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❓ How can I help/support Prop S?

Please help spread the word about Prop S. Encourage your peers to vote on August 2nd, 2022.

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