Norfork voters will head to the polls in April to consider a millage increase for Norfork Schools. Superintendent Mike Seay says the school board is asking voters to approve a 2.75 mill increase for maintenance and operation of the schools. According to Seay, the increase would cover three priorities over a five year plan. The first priority, he says, is for raises for teachers and staff members.
Listen:
right-click to download mp3
The second priority is for transportation, specifically to replace school buses.
Listen:
Norfork school buses run 9 rural routes, many on gravel roads, according to the superintendent. He says the buses carry between 50 and 70 students, with runs as long as 45 minutes to an hour or a distance of 30 to 40 miles, one way.
The final priority would be for special projects proposed by parents, teachers, students and the community.
Listen:
Seay points with pride to the accomplishments of Norfork Schools which have won numerous awards at the state and national level, including the Arkansas Golden Apple, making the list of 2016 Best High Schools by U.S. News and World Report and a Blue Ribbon award in 2014 from the U. S. Department of Education.
Listen:
Currently Norfork’s school millage rate, at 34.39, is below the state average of 36.95. The additional 2.75 mills would raise the millage rate to 37.14 with 29.75 mills going to maintenance and 7.39 to debt service, according to Seay.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI