Central Valley voters weigh renewal of school levy

Central Valley School District voters will consider the levy renewal next month. The current charge is $2.50 for each $1,000 in a property’s assessed value, the highest rate state law permits school districts to collect. A $400,000 home produces an annual bill of about $1,000. Approval would preserve that rate.

The levy accounts for 16% of the district budget and pays for 300 positions, according to Superintendent John Parker. He said those jobs could be considered for elimination if the measure is defeated. Parker said the revenue is also needed to continue current programs and services while covering inflation and broader student services.

Curt Noble, whose three children attend district schools, supports school funding but opposes this measure. He says spending has risen too quickly compared with enrollment and favors reducing expenses. District figures show a budget above $153 million and enrollment of 13,430 in 2016-17. This year, spending totals $286.5 million for 14,140 students.

A successful vote would put the renewed tax rate in place in 2028 for a three-year period. The last approval came in 2024, when the projected rate was $2.40; property-value changes later moved it to $2.50.