Logan-Rogersville R-VIII

The current bonds issued do not pay off until 2027, 2039, and 2042. The Debt Service Levy of $0.93 must remain the same to continue paying these bonds.

Without the passage of the 2026 No-Tax Increase Bond Referendum, it will take many years to complete renovations, improvements, and additional classroom space. The district will do its best to continue completing small individual projects as current funding allows, but it will not be possible to keep up with student growth without the passage of this referendum.

The next sizable opportunity for a No-Tax Increase Bond Referendum will be available in 2033 when those series of bonds are scheduled to pay off, and we have recaptured some equity within our 15% capacity. In Missouri, schools are limited to 15% bonding capacity of their current assessed valuation.

The FAQs include an example of the voting record over the past 3 decades. In 1998, $0.29 rolled back, but then in 2002, just 4 years later, the need to add back $0.35 to build a high school due to student growth had to be approved by voters.

We are optimistic we can keep up with student growth without an additional tax increase in the near future, given the current debt service levy of $0.93.

A bond is authorization for a school district to borrow money and to establish a tax rate to pay off the debt over time.  The bond only pays for capital projects, such as facilities and equipment, and may not be used for regular operational costs like salaries or supplies.

A 4/7 majority, or 57.1% plus 1 vote, is required to pass a bond issue.

This is possible thanks to the district's sound fiscal management. Due to refinancing and paying off some debt early, $24 million in bonding capacity is available to reissue to complete the needed Phase III improvements and expansions.

$0.93 of the current tax levy is allocated to pay off existing bonds. This debt service levy has remained very consistent for the past 15 years, ranging between $0.86 – $0.97 since 2005.

The current operating levy is $3.40. This operating levy was approved for a $.49 increase by voter approval in 2019. The voter-approved operating levy is $3.56. However, the district has rolled back the levy several times since 2021, with the amount ranging from $3.06 to $3.40

Work would begin immediately on projects that could be completed during the summer of 2026 in order to avoid disruptions during the school year and protect the educational environment as much as possible. Work will continue throughout the 2026 – 2028 school years.

Realtors agree that a quality school system attracts buyers to an area. Many home buyers ask about the school district before making a decision. In addition, companies considering new locations insist on a strong educational system for their employees' children. 

Knowing that Logan-Rogersville School District has excellent faculty and staff and safe, modern facilities remains a deciding factor for many families and businesses choosing to be part of the Logan-Rogersville community. This has been demonstrated over the past several years, as property values in LR have risen relative to those in surrounding school communities.

Phase I Projects (Total $8.7M)

• Secure Entrances (PS, ES, UE, MS, HS)
• Elementary Renovation/Addition
  • Storm Shelter Addition
  • Kitchen/Cafeteria Renovation
  • New Library Media Center
• New Upper Elementary Office Space
• Athletic Facility Safety/Accessibility Renovations
• Middle School Library and Gym Renovations

CREATE & LINK PHASE I PROJECTS SLIDESHOW

Phase II Projects (Total $36.5M)

• Elementary School Addition
  • Eight Classrooms
  • Conference Room
  • Two Office Spaces
  • Restrooms
• Primary School
  • Storm Shelter Addition
  • Library Renovation
  • Early Childhood Program Playground Update
• Middle School Classroom Renovations
• High School Safety & Security Office Addition
• Wildcat Stadium & Baseball Complex Renovations
• Multipurpose Facility & Tennis Complex

Phase II Bond Projects as Promised Webpage

Fund balance is expressed as “Unrestricted Fund Balance.” This is the amount of money you have in reserves. The health and wellness of a district’s finances can be seen in the fund balance maintained over time. Typically, districts will try to hold three months worth of expenses in reserves in case the state has to withhold funds. Fund Balances can also be allowed to increase over a few years in preparation for a large, one-time expenditure, i.e., saving up to build a new FEMA structure.

Districts have different tolerance levels and ideologies regarding fund balances. The more heavily a school depends on State Formula funding, the more likely it is to have a larger fund balance. The LR Board of Education’s goal is to maintain a fund balance of over 18%.

The chart below shows the fund balance history over the past 20 years. *Note: LR’s fund balances dropped dangerously low during 2008 - 2010. At the time, when a district reached 5%, it was considered a financially stricken district, and parents would have had the option to send their students to a neighboring district at LR’s expense. 

LR’s current fund balance is 26.37%

Due to LR’s strong financial management by the administration and Board of Education, the LR District’s Standard and Poor’s Rating has maintained a “Very High Capacity to Repay Loans” AA- rating since 2022. This rating places LR among the highest-rated school districts in Missouri and reflects S&P’s confidence in LR’s track record, financial stability, and management practices.

Standard & Poor’s bond ratings help school districts by assessing their financial strength, which directly affects bond interest rates. Higher ratings mean lower risk and lower interest costs—saving taxpayers money on major projects.

The Logan-Rogersville School District is pleased to provide revenue and expenditure data through the Accountability Portal on the district website. There, you will find general information on revenues and expenditures shared to keep all parents and citizens up to date on our financial position.

District Accountability Portal Webpage

The LR school board commissions an independent audit every single year. LR complies with state statute 165.121 RSMo and submits the audit to DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education). The audit findings are published in the Marshfield Mail in accordance with the requirement of RSMo 165.121.5(3) to make the audit public information. LR goes above and beyond by publishing all prior-year audits on the district website. The audits have all indicated that the financial statement disclosures are neutral, consistent, and clear. To translate audit terms...LR has excellent business practices and procedures, and excels in how we manage funds.

Annual Financial Audits Webpage

Federal funding for school districts is based on a state formula that encompasses students with disabilities and those who receive free & reduced lunch. Each year, DESE notifies districts of the federal revenue they will receive under this formula. There is no way to qualify for more federal funds unless the number of students with disabilities or students who receive free & reduced lunch increases. The district applies for Federal grants to construct FEMA shelters, which we have used to fund three buildings within the district.  

In the Fall of 2022, the district received a $350,000 Federal Grant for Violence Prevention that was used to update and expand coverage of the district's security camera systems as well as update and expand exterior lighting.  It also provided for additional school bus camera systems, ensuring every school bus was equipped with multiple interior cameras and a stop-arm violation camera.