Hope School District asks voters for first millage increase in 40 years

HOPE, Ark. (KSLA) - Voters in Hope will decide March 3 whether to approve a five-mill property tax increase for the Hope School District — the first millage increase request in 40 years.

Superintendent Jonathan Crossley said the district has critical facility needs that can no longer be addressed through cost-cutting and grant funding alone.

“Now is the time to make these increases,” Crossley said. “We have critical needs that are coming up right now.”

What the increase would fund?

Crossley said the millage increase would allow the district to replace HVAC units, create security vestibules and renovate classrooms.

“We have classrooms and HVAC units and a security area that is not as good as they need to be and as we project out in the future we got to make these improvements that cost millions of dollars,” Crossley said.

Cost to property owners

If passed, the increase would add $8 per month for every $100,000 of property value.

Grants not enough to cover needs

Crossley said the district has applied for and received state and federal grants, but those funds have not been sufficient to meet the district’s needs.

“We have been able to replace some of our older facilities by cutting cost and applying for state money but now we are at a critical time and we need the taxpayers help,” Crossley said.

The Hope School District serves approximately 2,100 students and 400 staff members. Officials said if the measure fails, the district will continue making cuts to fund needed improvements at each campus.