Column: What is Proposition Spoofhounds?
SKYE POURNAZARI/THE FORUM
Philip Pohren Maryville R-II Superintendent
On Tuesday, April 7, Maryville R-II voters will be asked to decide Proposition Spoofhounds, a full waiver of the Proposition C Sales Tax Rollback under Missouri law.
At its core, this question is about our community maintaining local operating support for Maryville R-II as costs rise — and as we work to stay competitive in recruiting and retaining great staff.
Proposition Spoofhounds seeks to fully waive the Proposition C rollback, which can require school districts to reduce their operating property tax levy when Proposition C sales tax revenues increase. The ballot language estimates the district’s adjusted operating tax levy would increase by $0.3149 per $100 of assessed valuation for 2026 — and applied to the assessed valuation for each year thereafter.
Proposition C is not new. Missouri voters approved it statewide in 1982 as a one-cent sales tax to support public schools (and highways), with revenue distributed to school districts based on student attendance. Today, the vast majority of Missouri districts have already taken action on this issue — 470 districts (about 91 percent) have a full waiver of Proposition C.
This vote also connects to how schools are funded. About 73 percent of Maryville R-II’s overall budget comes from local sources, including property taxes and Proposition C sales tax, with the remainder coming from state and federal sources.
Maryville R-II is sharing this information so voters can make an informed decision. If approved, the district plans to use operating funds to support needs that directly impact students and schools, including staff salaries and benefits, operating costs (including liability and property insurance) and programs that support learners.
No matter where you land on the question, Maryville R-II encourages community members to review the ballot language, ask questions and participate in the election on April 7.
This is also a good time to remind community members that a candidate and community forum is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at the Rose Hill Acres Event Center. The district will share a short presentation about Proposition Spoofhounds during the event.
