USD 469 Lansing last week published on its website an advertisement entitled “Revenue Neutral Rate Explained” designed to encourage support for a 12% property tax increase later this year that made several false and misleading claims. But when asked to substantiate those claims by the Sentinel, Superintendent Dan Wessel would not respond.
One claim in the ad says, “Property values are directly tied to the success and achievements of the school district. Our home values here in Lansing are high due to how amazing Lansing USD469 (sic) for students.” That simply is not true. Home values for property tax purposes are determined by the County Appraiser based on market conditions, not student achievement results. Further, state assessment results for USD 469 are relatively low and declining. A quarter of all students are below grade level in reading and math, only a third are proficient in math and just 42% are proficient in reading.
Bollin responded, saying, “I believe the health and success of a school district does help raise and sustain property values. One of the top factors people look at when making a move is the school district. That being said there are many other factors that affect property values as well.”
Text associated with the ad says the district is “proud” to hold its mill rate flat “for many years,” but that statement obscures large property tax increases imposed by the school board. District budget documents show a 72% local property tax increase over the...
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