All seven candidates who have filed to run for the three Carroll Community School District (CCSD) Board of Education seats appeared last night (Wednesday) during the Carroll County Growth Partnership’s (CCGP). One of the issues on the ballot alongside the candidates is the proposed renewal of the instructional support levy (ISL). The ISL generates around $1 million per year for the school’s General Fund through a combination of property taxes and an income surtax. Candidates were asked their position on the renewal, with Jill Johnston answering first.
Stacey McCaulley says she is also fully behind the ISL’s renewal.
Cindy Scaturico agrees with the ISL’s benefits to stakeholders, but she argues it would make more sense to pursue renewal after the new board is elected.
Since the ISL’s inception, the school board has actively tried to split the money collected 50/50 between property taxes and the income surtax, typically around $500,000 from each per year. Jason Schagt answered briefly, saying he does not support the renewal. Sara Woerdehoff says the base concept of providing additional funding for kids is good but has issues with the ISL renewal this time around.
Woerdehoff adds she’d like to see more data, such as student retention in community college courses or career outcomes, before backing the ISL further. Jim Friel says the numbers on those issues are clear.
Casie Forke-Burke also fully supports the ISL renewal.
The current ISL expires in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. If renewed by voters, the ISL would be extended for another 10 years through 2035. The full video from the CCGP forum is included with this story on our website and the KCIM YouTube page.
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