Do our children deserve more than the minimum?
Under Alabama law, each school district in Alabama is entitled, as a minimum for local funding, to receive the proceeds of 10 mills of ad valorem (or property) taxes. Montgomery Public Schools currently receive the minimum local financial support from property taxes – 10 mills. As a community, do we think our children deserve more than the minimum?
The proposed property tax increase will not take effect until October 2023.
Better for students.
Better for teachers.
Better for Montgomery.
Better for teachers.
Better for Montgomery.
FAQ
What is the ad valorem/property tax increase?
The property tax would increase the millage rate by 12 mills which equates to a $1.20 tax increase on every $100 of assessed property value. The ad valorem tax proposal would add 12 mills to the current 10 mill property tax rate in Montgomery County. All of the money would go to the public school system.
I’m a property owner in Montgomery, how much will my taxes increase?
The amount of taxes you pay will depend largely on the value of your home. The median Montgomery county home value, according to recent U.S. Census data, is $127,500. At that value, a citizen who owns and occupies the home – and lives within the city limits would pay $580.30 per year (currently $463.38 per year). That’s about $9.56 per month or the price of lunch at a local restaurant.
How does the school district plan to use the increased funding?
Our schools are already in bad shape with many students learning in dilapidated buildings. The additional revenue would be used to fund improved academic curriculum, career and skills training programs, and hiring more high-quality teachers in every classroom. Part of the funding would also be used to make major repairs and renovations to existing run-down school facilities. Currently, 31 of the 51 schools in the Montgomery Public Schools system have been placed on deferred maintenance. Our schools need asbestos removal, roof repairs and heating and air conditioning systems installed. There would be major accountability provisions to protect taxpayer dollars.
When was the last time the Montgomery Public School system was funded equitably compared to neighboring towns and cities?
A 2004 law made it state law that all schools be funded at 10 mils. Montgomery has remained at the minimum mandated by state law. A 1994 ballot measure was put before voters failed and MPS has been asked to do more with less.
What would happen if voters do not Vote FOR Montgomery Public Schools on November 3, 2020?
If voters do not pass the ad valorem tax on November 3, 2020, our students face the future of aging, rapidly deteriorating schools. Teachers face a school system that is not adequately funded and cannot invest in their continuing education and professional development needs to ensure MPS is competitive with neighboring districts and other districts in Alabama. Parents and students in Montgomery deserve a good and viable public education option. We face the inevitable possibility that many professionals, businesses and investors will not move to our city if we can’t turn the page – some people have already moved away. The continued growth of our city depends on an investment in our children. The benefit of voting FOR Montgomery Public Schools is huge. This is an across the board win for everyone.
How much money will the proposed property tax increase bring into the Montgomery Public School system each year
If approved by voters, the property tax increase would bring in $33 million per year for Montgomery’s future. Right now Montgomery County sits at the state minimum for ad-valorem taxes which is lower than our neighboring school districts.
If the property tax increase is passed, how will Montgomery Public Schools be held accountable?
This funding increase comes with a high level of scrutiny that ensures accountability. The Montgomery Public Schools system is cracking down on misused funds and is committed to strict accountability of tax dollars. The legislature passed strict accountability measures for this vote, and the school board has created a detailed accountability plan on how the money will be spent, including annual audits and oversight.
How much funding do towns and school districts across Alabama provide to their students in ad valorem dollars ?
• Birmingham City Schools: $3,760
• Huntsville City Schools: $2,608
• Mobile County Public Schools: $2,196
• Montgomery Public Schools: $939
• Huntsville City Schools: $2,608
• Mobile County Public Schools: $2,196
• Montgomery Public Schools: $939
Within Montgomery County, Pike Road City Schools – with only 2,182 students – assess 27 mills. Montgomery Public Schools has roughly 28,154 students. There are 138 school systems in the State of Alabama. Montgomery Public Schools is one of only 31 systems that receive the state minimum of 10 mills of local funding.
Why are you asking people to pay more in taxes? Can’t we just use the money we already have in the budget?
The Montgomery Public School system is severely underfunded at this time to even take care of many of the issues it needs to tackle like deferred maintenance projects, professional development for our educators and wraparound support services for our students. In order to be able to equip our students with what they need to succeed in the classroom and in life, we must decide if we will invest or divest from this community.
