It can be confusing to see a school millage on the election ballot when you haven’t heard anything about one. The fact is, it’s not always an increase, and when it isn’t, it doesn’t even matter if you vote on it or not. Bryant Schools sent out an explanation for why this happens:
With early voting and election day next Tuesday, March 5, 2024, we would like to provide some information regarding the millage rate of Bryant Public Schools and the current election ballot.
Arkansas law mandates that the millage rate be published on the ballot during the annual school election, regardless of whether the district seeks an increase. For Bryant Public Schools, the March primary election also serves as the school election. The law stipulates a “yes” and “no” option on the ballot. Although voters have the freedom to choose either option, even if the “no” votes are the majority, the millage rate for the district remains the same. While the process may appear counterintuitive, compliance with Arkansas law guides the actions of the District and Saline County Clerk’s Office.
The last millage increase for Bryant Public Schools was March 2017. The increase brought the millage rate to 40.8 mills. During the last reassessment by Saline County, Bryant’s millage was rolled back .2 of a mill. The current rate is 40.6 mills.
If, and when, the district determines a millage increase is needed, there will be community meetings and much communication to ensure the highest levels of transparency with all our patrons.