PACIFIC, MO — The Meramec Valley R-III School District has issued the following statement today:
Meramec Valley R-III School District officials are closely monitoring Franklin County Commissioner discussions regarding the diversion of potential tax revenue generated by proposed data center developments in Franklin County. This follows reporting by The Missourian that county commissioners are considering taking local MVR-III tax revenue generated by two proposed data centers and distributing it evenly throughout the entire county. This would include all school districts, ambulance districts, and fire districts in the communities of Washington, Union, St. Clair, Franklin County R-II, Lonedell, Spring Bluff, Strain-Japan, New Haven, and Sullivan.
If the projects move forward, the revenue generated within the Meramec Valley R-III School District boundary could potentially amount to millions of dollars over time. These funds could support educational programs, critical facility improvements, and expand student opportunities in the Meramec Valley R-III School District.
In addition, the potential increase in local MVR-III tax revenue from the data centers would allow the District to roll back its tax levy, providing savings to local MVR-III taxpayers.
“We're looking out for our MVR-III students,” said Superintendent Dr. Schwierjohn. “These data centers would impact our students, the roads our district buses travel, and the additional fire and ambulance needs within our community. The tax dollars from these data centers should therefore stay exclusively in the MVR-III community that is being asked to bear this burden, and possibly provide much-needed tax relief to our local taxpayers.”
As a public school district, MVR-III does not have a vote on where or whether the data center projects move forward. However, district administration is committed to engaging with local leaders and staying informed on the decisions that could have a significant impact on the MVR-III students and community.
We also encourage all Meramec Valley R-III School District residents to remain informed and direct concerns or questions to the city of Pacific mayor, alderman, and the Franklin County Commissioners regarding these community developments.