The following is a letter to the editor by Ada resident Ben Thaxton.

Dear Ada Community,

I am writing to urge our community to vote in favor of the 5-year Permanent Improvement RENEWAL levy on the November 7, 2023, ballot. This levy RENEWAL is essential for maintaining and improving our public school, which is the foundation of our community.

The permanent improvement levy is a RENEWAL of an existing levy that has been in place for many years. It is NOT a new tax. The levy provides funding for important capital expenses, such as building repairs and renovations, new technology, and safety equipment. A permanent improvement fund helps Ada Schools avoid using general fund revenue for capital expenses, which frees up general fund revenue for educational services for children.

The levy is a 5-year Permanent Improvement RENEWAL that the county auditor estimates will collect $281,000 annually at a rate not exceeding 2.9 mills. The actual effective millage being collected now is 2.34 mills, and it is expected that the millage will be even less once new property valuations take effect soon.

Here are just a few of the ways that the permanent improvement funds have benefited Ada Schools over the last 5 years:

Upgraded facilities – Boiler replacement in Central Office building, orchestra pit cover, expanding Elementary playground, locker room renovations, new roof and ice fence for 86 gym

Invest in new technology – Chromebooks, computers, radio system, SmartBoard TVs

Improve safety and security – Safety boots in each classroom (a portion of the costs), new intercom and paging system, security cameras, new doors and access control

Other capital expenses – textbooks, truck, snow plow, school buses, pottery wheel, scoreboard

The permanent improvement renewal levy is a wise investment in our future. It will help us to maintain and improve our beautiful school campus, which is vital to our community's success.

For more information, search for Advancing Ada Schools on Facebook.

I ask you to support Ada Schools and vote YES on November 7, 2023, for the 5-year permanent improvement RENEWAL levy. 

Sincerely,

Ben Thaxton
Chair, Committee for Advancing Ada Schools
Ada Resident, Parent, and former Ada Schools Principal