From an article published at ClarkCountyToday.com Yacolt resident Mark Rose says here in Clark County, the disconnect between the district office and the classroom has officially hit a breaking point Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and may not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com You know that sinking feeling when you open your property tax bill? That specific mix of dread and frustration? Keep that feeling in mind the next time a local school district tells you they’re broke. Here in Clark County, the disconnect between the district office and the classroom has officially hit a breaking point. We’re … [Read more...]
Letter: ‘VPS has no operational reserves and no credible plans to raise them’
Date: Monday, October 20, 2025. Published at ClarkCountyToday.com Please take a moment to read this article. It points out the precarious situation in the Vancouver School District and its path to financial stress...all because the School Board Directors won't take the necessary actions. Area resident Larry Roe says the Vancouver School District’s financial woes are due to ‘continuously spending more than our elected state representatives allocate for public education’ Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and may not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com Our Vancouver Public School Board meeting (10/14/25, … [Read more...]
Southwest Washington State School Board candidates Nov 2025
This post contains links to each of the school district races we covered in Southwest Washington State. Click the link for the race(s) you are interested in. Please reach out to the candidates and ask your own questions. Consider voting for candidates who share their views and opinions. Those who don't share raise a question...why don't they? You can email us with any updates you get at: swweducation at gmail dot com It's worth noting that two of the candidates running unopposed chose not to provide even the basic information: Elected Experience - No information submitted Other Professional Experience - No information submitted Education - No information … [Read more...]
Vancouver SD District 3: Roe vs. Smith
Update: October 22nd: Article about the finances of the Vancouver School District by Larry Roe Letter: ‘VPS has no operational reserves and no credible plans to raise them’ - ClarkCountyToday.com Both candidates were sent a list of 12 questions and offered the opportunity to respond over a 30 day period. Only Mr. Roe chose to respond. Ms. Smith is the incumbent and apparently didn’t feel it important or necessary to share her views with the voters. Incumbents have a special responsibility to engage and be transparent and no hide. Please consider contacting her and ask your own questions and, if she responds, share the response with us so we can update the article. Finally, please … [Read more...]
Vancouver SD District 2 Sandra Zavala-Ortega
A list of 12 questions was sent to each candidate with the offer to publish their responses unedited. Ms. Sandra Zavala-Ortega chose not to participate. [She is running unopposed and may assume her record speaks for itself?] Just in case you want to contact her and ask some questions her contact info is in the voters pamphlet reproduced below. If you learn anything please share with us. Editorial comment: This candidate provides literally NO information. She didn’t even provide the basic info. Do you vote for someone because their name is listed? Is this disrespectful and arrogant? Does this person deserve to be elected? ______________________________________________________________ Q1: … [Read more...]
Vancouver School District – 2025 Levy
The original article was published at ClarkCountyToday.com on January 18, 2025. Opinion: Why does the Vancouver School District need capital operations money at all given the massive bond in 2017? Larry Roe & Dick Rylander for Clark County Today The Vancouver School District is asking taxpayers and voters to approve a new levy. Approval would be a 6-year levy (the longest allowed and two times in length of the last) that will collect over $83.36 million. This is for tech and capital operations. (Question: why do they need capital operations money at all given the massive bond in 2017 that you are still paying for in taxes through … [Read more...]
Vancouver School District – Jr Pride Club email – Feb 10 2023: Update 4:06pm
Update: Just before 4pm the VPS Superintendent, Jeff Snell, responded to the questions posed to him and the principal of Felida Elementary. You determine whether the answers he provides satisfy you: Jeff Snell 3:46 PM (19 minutes ago) to Kris.Janati, me Thank you for reaching out about your concerns. As stated in the email distribution, Vancouver Public Schools does not sponsor or endorse the advertised programs or events. Flyer distribution is a community service available to 501(c)3 and civic organizations. We have policies that guide the process and can be viewed at … [Read more...]
Vancouver school district – Sued a parent for protesting?
Does the Vancouver school district have so much time and money that they can sue a parent and "john does" for protesting? ClarkCountyToday.com recently ran an article: https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/letter-the-vancouver-school-district-ignored-or-broke-numerous-rules-to-enforce-the-governors-emergency-mask-rule/ Today we highlight some of the comments in that article but please go to CCT and read the full story. First, here's the legal document that was filed: EFILED motion and memo Second, here are some top level comments from the Opinion piece submitted to CCT: On the day following the 2021 Labor Day holiday, Vancouver Public School District [VPS] filed a … [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...]
Vancouver School District Feb 2023 Levy
If you live in the Vancouver School District you will be receiving a ballot for a special election request for a new 4 year levy. In today's article we'll share the details about the levy with you. It's your choice whether you vote yes or no but it's critical that you vote. We'll try to cut through the clutter. Here's what you will find below: Link to the Van SD's website so you can see exactly what they claim: https://vansd.org/levy/ Links to the Clark County Elections department. First is the link to the actual Proposition wording submitted by the school district: … [Read more...]