Bowling Green School District Board Approves Continued Tax Rate

Bowling Green School District Board Approves Continued Tax Rate

Bowling Green has decided to keep its real and property tax rate the same as last year, according to a recent meeting held by the city schools’ Board of Education. On Tuesday, the board unanimously approved the request from the Bowling Green Independent School District (BGISD) to maintain the tax rate at 84.8 cents per $100. This decision is expected to generate $16.9 million in revenue for the district.

Breakdown of Revenue Allocation

This estimated revenue will break down into several important areas: $1.6 million will go toward facilities, while $14.3 million will support the general fund. The new revenue, which exceeds last year’s figures by $802,000, provides allocations for various necessities. Of this extra income, the plan is to allocate $457,000 towards instruction, $153,000 for the building fund, $136,000 towards maintenance of plants, $40,000 for transportation needs, and $16,000 to cover tax collections.

Impact on Salaries and Committed Support from the Community

These additional funds will significantly help the district keep up with salary increases that took effect last year. BGISD had implemented a 5% salary raise across the board, bringing the starting salary for teachers with bachelor’s degrees up to $45,000. Shaunna Cornwell, the BGISD Director of Finance, emphasized the community’s support in maintaining the schools and noted the importance of this funding as cost-of-living expenses rise.

Superintendent Gary Fields acknowledged this support, stating, “I think our community is tremendously supportive of our public schools, and that doesn’t go unnoticed by myself or the board.” He indicated that maintaining the tax rate flat this year while also generating more revenue from property value increases gives the district a better chance of competing in the job market.

Revenue Growth and State Requirements

The recent estimates show the revenue will likely increase by 4.6%, or $90,000, which exceeds a 4% threshold established by the state. Because the growth from the assessments is over this limit, Kentucky law mandates that school districts conduct a hearing and allow for a 45-day period for residents to petition against the tax rate. Cornwell noted that it is “very unusual” for such large revenues from assessments to occur, as BGISD hasn’t seen this level of revenue growth in her four years as director.

Challenges from State Funding Trends

The context in which BGISD is operating also reveals broader struggles. Over recent years, less funding from the state means local taxpayers are filling a significant gap. The nonprofit Kentucky Center for Economic Policy reported that while a base funding of $4,326 per student is guaranteed by the state, the actual contributions have been lower. In recent years, local taxpayers have contributed more than the state.

In terms of funding adjusted for inflation, the district could currently be receiving an estimated $618,000 more each year if SEEK funding had kept pace. This has left salaries insufficient to compete with those of other public sectors, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. Starting salaries for BGISD teachers have risen 14.9% from $38,282 in 2020 to $45,000 this year. In contrast, other essential workers, like firefighters and police officers, have seen substantial increases in their starting salaries as well, highlighting a widening gap.

Field observed, “Police officers and firefighters deserve all the dollars they get – we have amazing firefighters and police officers. But those three professions used to be considered very similar, and the gap is just widening.” He expressed uncertainty about possible solutions to close this widening gap, especially considering the lack of action from the state to address such disparities.