Ritenour Voters Approve Proposition A

  • Thank You Ritenour Community! Ritenour School District voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition A in the Nov. 7, 2017 election. 

     Prop A, an operating tax rate increase of 39 cents for each $100 of assessed value for Ritenour School District residents and businesses, will provide the needed financial resources to provide quality education programs for all Ritenour students.  Thanks to voter approval, Prop A will generate approximately $2 million in additional operating funds a year.

     Unofficial results from St. Louis County indicate 2,269 voters (64.5 percent) supported Prop A, while 1,250 (35.5 percent) opposed it.  A simple majority was needed for passage.

     “The biggest winners tonight are our 6,600 Ritenour students,” said Ritenour Superintendent Dr. Chris Kilbride. “I’m grateful for our community’s continued support. During our 150thanniversary, we are excited that funds from Prop A will allow us to keep our staffing and programs strong to best serve our students so they are prepared to enroll in college, enter the workforce or enlist in the military.”

    Specifically, funds from Prop A will provide long-term financial stability for Ritenour by:

    • Protecting class sizes and quality curriculum
    • Expanding the use of technology for all students
    • Maintaining the ability to recruit and retain the best teachers and staff
    • Avoiding cuts in staff and programs
    • Providing more opportunities for students to earn college credit before they graduate
    • Increasing career training programs for non-college bound students
    • Balancing the budget

    Natalie Gerke, an 2000 RHS alumna, former teacher and coach, and current RHS parent, led the Citizen for Ritenour’s Future committee leading up to the Nov. 7 election.

    As an active community member, Gerke said she was grateful for the support shown by the Ritenour community.

     “What makes Ritenour different and special is the way residents take pride in supporting our kids, our teachers and our schools,” said Gerke. “When there’s a need, our community responds. We take care of one another, and we invest in our kids and our schools because we know that’s at the core of every thriving community. Passing Prop A is just one more example of that commitment.