Income tax renewal explained

Cory-Rawson Local School District residents will see a renewal of the .75% income tax on the primary/special election ballot May 2, 2023. This tax was first approved in 2003 and is renewed every five years by voters. This income tax accounted for approximately 10% of the district's revenue in fiscal year 2022 and is used for general fund expenses such as supplies, utilities, salaries, and benefits. We're always looking for avenues to control costs including renegotiated agreements with a number of vendors. We continue to seek non-tax revenue in a few different ways, including grants. In fact, our staff has secured $319,000 in grant funding so far this school year, which will allow for additional student and staff learning, safety upgrades, and expanded opportunities. At Cory-Rawson, we are proud to be a small school that offers big opportunities. One parent recently described her daughter's experience moving from a larger school to Cory-Rawson. "She absolutely loves the community she found at Cory-Rawson. We all do. Cory-Rawson took our entire family in with welcoming arms and I can't speak more highly of the school." Last month, an elementary school mother shared that this is her family's first year at Cory-Rawson. "My kids are so much happier here, getting the right help as needed. Best decision we've made." While our enrollment is beginning to make a modest increase, we're committed to a small school atmosphere. Embracing the advantages of a small school environment, we are focused on preparing our students for their journey after graduation, whether that's employment, enrollment, enlistment, or entrepreneurship. Over last school year, our elementary students realized a 21% gain in reading and a 30% gain in math as measured by AIMSweb nationally-normed benchmark assessments. Our primary teachers are spending time this summer to improve how we teach reading. We are changing how we look at kindergarten with an "early start" program. By closing learning gaps early, we can set student success on a different trajectory. We're embracing a culture of continuous improvement. Last spring, we worked collaboratively with our staff, community members, local businesses, and higher education professionals to determine the skills our students need regardless of their life pathway. This led to our Portrait of a Graduate - a commitment for Cory-Rawson graduates to be communicators, relationship-builders, critical thinkers, and resilient. We're accomplishing this in a variety of ways including Leader in Me, our THRIVE class, student leadership opportunities, and career development. There's a long tradition of pride in the Cory-Rawson community, where we work together to shape well-rounded, productive citizens through academics, the arts, and athletics. This income tax renewal is essential to ensure this tradition continues. "In our hearts, the green and gold!" Jay Clark is the superintendent of the Cory-Rawson Local School District