MLO Exploration Overview

To continue providing a high-quality education for students, RFSD is exploring an approximately $5 million Mill Levy Override (MLO) for November 2026 to be able to retain and recruit amazing teachers and staff. This local solution will help us address financial challenges and support the long-term stability of our schools.

Great teachers are critical to student success. Because about 85% of RFSD’s budget supports salaries and benefits, funding reductions directly impact our ability to offer competitive staff compensation, recruitment, and retention

close-up of student with pencil
KEY FACTS

What is an MLO? A voter-approved property tax for operational needs not covered by the state.

Why do we need it? Teachers are the #1 in-school factor in student success. Currently, RFSD is not competitive with comparable districts, with experienced teacher salaries more than $11,000 lower and average salaries more than $5,500 below peer districts. Right now, we can't compete!

Why now? New cost-of-living changes at the state level reduce funding for districts like RFSD. The state is allowing a temporary window before 2030 for impacted districts to increase their MLO capacity to offset this loss.

$5M MLO estimated cost: Approximately $17.18/year ($1.43/month) per $100K, or about $85.88/year ($7.15/month) for $500K in "actual home value."

Proposed allocation of MLO funds: 80% for salaries and benefits, 10% for recruitment and retention initiatives, and 10% for the required district charter share. No funds would be used for senior district leadership salaries.

Community Value: Strong schools stabilize property values and support the local economy.