— from Eric Webb, Orcas Schools Superintendent —
At the primary election on August 4, 2020, voters in the Orcas Island School District will be asked to consider reauthorizing the Education Programs and Operations Levy (formerly the Maintenance and Operations Levy) for the years 2021-2024. This levy provides nearly 20% of the district’s annual budget.
The basic education funding provided by the State of Washington provides for a limited number of teachers, staff, and educational programs. Local levies like the Education Program and Operations Levy bridge the gap in the state’s funding of education. Funds from this levy will fund one in five teachers, one in five paraeducators, office staff, bus drivers, maintenance staff, cafeteria staff, custodians, and programs such as the library, music, Farm to Classroom, district garden, athletics, and maintenance.
Voters will be asked to consider a four-year renewal levy of $0.87 per $1,000 assessed value, an approximate annual cost of $435 for a home assessed at $500,000. The new proposed rate is less than the current levy rate and will not increase after it is placed.
The passage of this levy will help fund our outstanding programs and class offerings and continue to deliver a first-rate education supported by all of our teachers and classified staff.
More information on the levy can be found at http://orcasislandschools.org.
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Really another ballot initiative so that struggling homeowners can fund more for school maintenance during a recession?
Businesses on Orcas are shuttering, there is little tourism this year, employment is down, County revenue is in a shortfall, and we don’t even know how operational the school will be this coming year with attendance and enrollment. If this summer is as economically slow as it appears right now there will be more business and family budget shortfalls this winter. – its going to be a hard winter financially and it could get much much worse.
Let’s pass on another School Ballot initiative – there have been plenty of school ballot measures over the last 12 years – we need a reprieve. It’s the wrong time to squeeze struggling families further when this winter is going to be particularly painful for regular Orcas Islanders. I say “No” to this ballot initiative. It’s bad timing. Give it a break.
Sean — while I understand your concern for fellow residents and business owners — this levy is critical to the operation of the public schools.
This is not a NEW levy — it replaces an existing levy; a levy that funds 20% of the operations of the district — from teachers, to bus drivers, cafeteria, art, music, and maintenance. “Regular Orcas Islanders” include school children and families. If this does not pass, the cut to our schools will be devastating — especially when, more than ever, our schools will be essential to families. While I am doubtful your mind may not be changed, I implore others to vote YES to the Education Programs and Operations levy.