A capital reserve is essentially a savings account for major school building improvements and repairs. Reestablishing this reserve does not mean raising taxes or adding new money. The funds are already available—we are simply protecting them for their intended purpose: maintaining our schools.
When the district completes large projects such as roof repairs, heating system upgrades, safety improvements, or other facility needs, the state reimburses us for approximately 80% of the cost. That means local taxpayers are responsible for only 20%.
The capital reserve helps us cover that local 20% share using money that has already been set aside. Without a reserve, the district may need to ask taxpayers to approve additional borrowing or funding to pay for those costs.
In simple terms, a capital reserve allows us to:
• Maintain and improve school facilities so buildings remain safe and functional.
• Take full advantage of state aid, bringing back significant funding to our community.
• Avoid unexpected costs to taxpayers by planning ahead for major repairs.
• Reduce the need for additional tax increases or special funding requests for capital projects.
This is truly a win-win: we maintain our schools responsibly, maximize state reimbursement, and reduce the likelihood of asking taxpayers for additional money in the future.
