Brad Hunter, Superintendent of Henry County R-1 School District, presented the program at the Windsor Chamber of Commerce meeting, held at the Wagon Wheel Café on Wed., March 12. Supt. Hunter provided information about the school operating tax levy on the ballot of the April 8 election.
The Henry County R-1 School District is proposing a 50-cent increase, which will move the current tax levy ceiling from $2.75 to $3.25. Windsor and Warsaw school districts presently have an operating tax of $2.75, and share the 29th place of 30 school districts in this region. Twenty-five of the 30 schools presently have a tax levy from $3.25 to $5.65.
Supt. Hunter explained that the main reason the district is requesting the increase in the tax levy is because the Missouri State Legislature mandated minimum teacher salaries to be $40,000, and the R-1 District will use the increased funds to bring teacher salaries up to the state-required minimum of $40,000 per year. The tax increase would take effect for the 2025 tax year.
The ballot for the April 8, 2025 election will read as: “Shall the Board of Education of the Henry County R-1 School District, Missouri, be authorized to increase the operating tax levy by $0.50000 to $3.25000 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation for the purpose of meeting additional operating expenses?”
Persons living within the boundaries of the Henry County R-1 School District may vote in the April 8 election. March 12 is the last day to register to vote.
When asked what the district would do if the operating tax levy did not pass, Supt. Hunter said they would be forced to operate with fewer teachers and staff, and class sizes would be increased.
Brad Hunter encouraged persons to talk with him (660) 647-3533, and he is also willing to talk to business or civic organizations. He invited persons to view information on the district Facebook page. Henry County R-1 District residents are invited to town hall meetings scheduled at the Windsor High School Library on Tues., March 18, 6 p.m. and Thurs., Apr. 3, 6 p.m.
