State Question 801 is now on the November general election ballot. The measure asks voters if they want to allow school districts to use property tax revenue, now used primarily for building funds, for operational costs. For the most part, schools use bond issues for needs like facility expansion or repair, transportation or equipment. Then they use the revenue from ad valorem taxes to pay for the bonds. Currently, school districts can levy up to five mills for the building fund.
If SQ 801 is approved, local school boards would have the authority to use existing property tax funds for things like teacher pay and textbooks.
The Legislature passed Senate Joint Resolution 70 to put the measure before voters. Governor Fallin issued an election proclamation Thursday to place it on the November ballot.
This looks like a real bucket of worms -kinda like the wacky-tobacky thing.