Freelance Life

The Lee’s Summit school board’s decision to implement a multimillion-dollar tax cut has parents worried about its impact on students’ education.The board voted 6-1 to reduce the levy, a move that will cost the district approximately $3.4 million over the next two years.This decision came after two board members expressed concerns about the tax burden on residents.”I question whether we need to be adding to the taxpayers’ burden,” said Bill Haley, a member of the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District board.A family with a $300,000 home will save $28.50 each year due to the tax cut.However, this change could force the district to dip into its savings account to cover expenses.”The budget just needs to be pulled back a touch, and I guess that was their rationale,” said Dave Mosby, a local taxpayer.Over the past decade, the district has added about 300 positions and opened East Trails Middle School.The superintendent noted that inflation has increased by 35%, mirroring the district’s budget growth.Some parents argue that while families may not feel significant savings, the district will certainly feel the financial strain.This is the second time Lee’s Summit has made a similar reduction, and many hope the district will continue to invest in teachers.”We’re facing a shortage of teachers, educators, and staff in this field. We just have to be aggressive and competitive in that way,” said Rodrick Sparks, former school board president.