Ozark School District thanks voters for approving tax levy ahead of back-to-school week

OZARK, Mo. — As many students return to Ozark schools next week, the School District sends out a message to voters that approved the school tax levy increase of 20 cents at the Special Election on August 5.

"I want to thank our community for voting yes, they are always very supportive of our schools." said Superintendent Laurie Wilson, "What this does is it actually gives us the opportunity to continue to give raises in the future and for us to become or to be comparative with our local neighboring schools.”

The Ozark School District’s tax levy increase passed with 68% of the vote, raising the tax levy to $3.38 per $100 of assessed valuation. Despite the increase, the overall tax levy will remain at $4.14.

The tax increase was also on the ballot in Pleasant Hope, but voters rejected the levy with 54% against it.

With a statewide shortage of teachers and a decreasing interest in pursuing the profession, Wilson believes that the increase will allow to better retain current staff as well as new hires.

“It is always a challenge to attract the best. And that's who we want in Ozark. But also, to keep them here. And with the passage of the tax levy, we were very blessed that it allows us once again, to potentially increase salaries next year so that we can keep them.”