School finances can feel complicated. Because a levy transfer question will appear on the April 7, 2026, ballot, this page provides factual background to help the community understand the measure, including what a levy transfer is, why it is being discussed, and what it does and does not change.

This information is provided to help our community understand how school funding works. It is informational only.

The district is sharing this information so the community understands:

• How school funding is structured
• What financial trends look like over time
• Why long-term planning matters

For a more detailed explanation, please visit our Business and Finance page via this link.

• A levy transfer does not raise the total school tax rate

• It does not create new taxes

• It moves existing tax dollars from one school purpose to another

• The goal is stability and long-term planning, not expansion

A levy transfer moves money between two parts of the school tax rate.

Think of it like a household budget.

You may decide to move money from one category, such as savings for a future project, to another, such as monthly bills, without increasing your total spending.

A levy transfer works the same way. The total amount paid by taxpayers stays the same. Only how that money is used changes.

A levy transfer is not:

• A tax increase

• New money

• A guarantee of new programs or facilities

It is a financial planning tool used by school districts across Missouri.

Like many school districts, Farmington R-7 is facing:

• Rising costs for staff, utilities, transportation, and supplies

• Funding levels that change from year to year

• Increased use of savings to cover everyday expenses

• Savings can help in the short term, but relying on them year after year is not sustainable.

The State Minimum: Currently, Farmington R-7 operates at the Missouri state minimum operating levy of $2.75. While we take pride in being efficient, this low rate makes it increasingly difficult to compete with neighboring districts for high-quality staff.

Responsible Debt Management: Because we have been aggressive in paying down our building loans, we have "extra room" in our debt budget. Our debt service levy of $0.90 can safely be reduced.

Investing in Talent: To keep our best teachers in Farmington, we must keep our salaries competitive. Currently, 80% of our operating budget goes directly to the people who teach and support our students.

School districts plan years ahead. Predictable funding helps avoid:

• Sudden cuts

• Emergency decisions

• Disruptions to staffing or services

A levy transfer is one way districts try to better match ongoing costs with ongoing revenue, instead of relying heavily on savings.

This financial planning work is separate from the superintendent search.

While both are happening at the same time, they are not connected.
The district remains stable and governed during both processes.

• Visit the Business & Finance page for a broader overview of school funding

• Attend the Community Information Night at 7:00 pm on March 19th at Long Memorial Hall for a district-led explanation

• Questions? Please use this form to submit questions or comments.

We encourage community members to use district resources to stay informed.