Every 3-4 years school districts come to the voters and taxpayers and ask for a “renewal” levy. They ask for more money and say this new levy isn’t really new but rather a “renewal” of the expiring levy. They give you an estimate of the amount you will pay per $1,000 of assessed property value. In many cases the “renewal levy” has a lower rate per $1,000 than the expiring levy. They emphasize the “renewal” and the “lower rate”, implying it is just a continuation of the old levy and your taxes will barely go up. What’s the truth? The only way to discuss this is by using a specific real-world example. The Washougal school district asked for approval of two (2) levies in February (that … [Read more...]
School Levy’s – Public Comment
Our articles about school levies sometimes generates comments. Today we share the comments of a person that some may find useful. If you have comments (Pro or Con) about levies we'll add them to this article thread. You can use the comment submission process here or you can email us at swweducation dot gmail dot com. The comments have no reference to to the writer. Comment: Thank you to whomever for compiling this useful information. I am concerned that people don’t have a place to go to get more information before they vote to spent several hundred or thousands of dollars a year on these levy’s. People need to do their own assessment of the cost of these levies. The numbers in the … [Read more...]
House Bill 1353 – Reducing school bond approval from 60% to 50% +1: A Constitutional Amendment
Back in 2007 the legislature reduced the approval requirement for levy's to 50% +1 from the historical 50% supermajority. The change was made at the request of school districts around the state who complained levy's failed too often and needed to be easier to pass. Left in place was the requirement that capital bonds require a 60% approval to pass. Fast forward to 2023. A new House Bill #1353 attempts to reduce the 60% to 50% plus one. Why? Because school districts across the state complain it's too hard to get voter approval so they need a lower threshold to get bonds passed. Teachers unions want the newest and best facilities. Votes who support schools no matter the cost want easier … [Read more...]
Vancouver School District Levy – Community Member thoughts
Few people really understand what goes on behind the scenes regarding levy approvals. Today a community member shares the results of their investigation and research. Steps: School board, in conjunction with the Superintendent, establishes the need for, amount of and duration of a levy. (These are fixed amounts of money spread over 3-4 years...in many cases) A resolution is written providing the details in preparation for filing with the Elections department The district submits their plan to the State Superintendent of Schools for review and approval Here is the actual levy submission from the Van SD: Vancouver_Public_Schools_Pre-Ballot_Approval 20223 It seems most … [Read more...]
Do school districts inhibit “Con” positions on bonds and levies?
We bring you an "Op-Ed" by a reader who shares their thoughts on the process school districts go through to find people to write the "Pro" and "Con" positions on bonds and levy's. WA school districts are supposed to be teaching about constitutional republics and their associated checks and balances. School districts should be encouraging a lively debate on political issues including their own tax measures that are on the ballot. But are they? Almost all school districts, with measures on the Feb 2023 ballot across the state, may be failing to practice what they are supposed to be preaching and teaching. By state statute, school districts are supposed to find pro … [Read more...]
Vancouver School District “No on Levy” is looking for volunteers
Update: Here is a link to the review of the Van SD levy: https://swweducation.org/vancouver-school-district-feb-2023-levy/ The team that wrote the "No" position on the upcoming $272 million Vancouver School District Levy is organizing volunteers to help spread the word about the levy. Here's what they are asking for: We need volunteers for 1-2 hours to hang door signs (no knocking and talking required) in specific neighborhoods. Volunteers will be delivered a quantity of door hangers with a map. We also will have yard signs that will need to be placed in strategic locations. It would be great if a team of two volunteers could commit to 10 signs. We … [Read more...]
Evergreen School District – Won’t take NO for an answer
The Evergreen school district went to the voters in February asking for a new Operations Levy to supplement the state money. It failed. But the district and school board don't agree with a NO vote so they come back again just 2 months later. Today we bring you an opinion piece by a local resident who thinks that NO means NO. The Evergreen School District is attempting another voter approved levy just 2 months after 57.2% of the voters rejected their last levy February 8th (by over 3,600 votes). They say it is not an increase and although the levy rate is the same as the current levy, that is disingenious thanks to the ever increasing property values (11% average increase this year) … [Read more...]
Hockinson Levy – Part Deux Updated Feb 1st
Here is a copy of the OSPI Enrichment Pre-Levy for the Hockinson SD: OSPI Enrichment Levy PreBallot Approval Jan 2022 Added Feb 1st on request. Our article about the Hockinson levy appears to have hit some nerves. We've been contact by multiple people sharing their thoughts as well as asking questions. The following letter (from a Hockinson district resident) seems to spell out the issues and concerns from parents and taxpayers viewpoints. Give it a read and consider the authors input: Though I share the sentiment that Hockinson is a great community and that a small local school district is a fine thing, after 30 years of voting in favor of school levies I cannot vote in … [Read more...]
Hockinson School District Levy – February 2022
Today we bring you the information from the voters pamphlet on the Hockinson School District Levy. Lets begin with the information from your voters pamphlet: Measure Text School Programs and Operations Replacement Levy The Board of Directors of Hockinson School District No. 98 adopted Resolution No. 21-22-02, concerning a proposition to continue funding current school programs and operations. This proposition would authorize the District to levy the following excess taxes, replacing an expiring levy, on all taxable property within the District, for school programs and operations expenses not funded by the State (including extracurricular activities, athletics, technology, advanced … [Read more...]
Evergreen School District Levy – February 2022
Voters are being asked to approve or deny the latest Evergreen levy. The following comes from a local resident who believes the vote should be "NO". Give it a read and see what you think: Opposed Statement to the Evergreen School District Levy: Per OSPI’s website, less than half of ESD (Evergreen School District) students met standards for English 49.7%, Math 39.3%, and Science 40.6% (10% below Washington’s state averages). Until focusing on academics, no more money is warranted as $15K per child is already State/Federally funded. This resolution increases the current levy from$1.72 to $2.12 (23% over 2 years). You’re ESD Superintendent and his $305K salary was terminated … [Read more...]
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