Message from the Superintendent

This spring, we have an important opportunity for all voters in our district.  I want to ensure that you have accurate information to share with your families, friends, and neighbors regarding the May 20 special election to renew the existing Technology/Capital Levy. Please take the time to read through the information below and remember to vote by May 20.

Two key information points to remember and share:

-This levy will replace the current levy which expires in 2008. 

-This is not an additional or new tax levy.

As many of you know from your daily work, the Technology/Capital Levy provides funding for technology tools for student learning and capital facilities.  The majority of the funds to be collected over four years will be used to upgrade and add to laptops, student tech tools, and mobile labs in each school.  Additionally, these funds allow the District to provide local support in technology for: technology-related professional development and support; infrastructure upgrades to meet electrical needs; and replace some aging office staff computers. 

In Capital Facilities, these funds will allow the District to provide local support for: district-wide safety and emergency preparedness; district-wide energy efficiency improvements; system upgrades and asset protection; and outdoor facilities/partnerships.

People want their local schools to provide the tools needed to improve student learning and provide students with well-maintained, safe learning environments.  The state does not provide adequate funding for technology or capital facilities, and the law allows local school districts to seek local funding support in these areas through levies.

Renewal of this four-year Technology/Capital Levy will cost 28 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value from 2009-2012.  For each $100,000 of assessed value, the cost is $28, or for a home assessed at $400,000 the cost is $112.  The expiring 2004 levy costs 52 cents per thousand, so the replacement levy is a decrease from the current rate.  Thus, the replacement levy, if approved, will be less than the levy that expires in 2008.  This lowers the cost to taxpayers and still provides necessary technology tools and support.  Additionally, new homes and businesses are increasing the total assessed property value within the district.  This reduces the tax rate per $1,000 for the majority of property taxpayers.

The current levy that expires included $1 million in matching funds through the Capital Partnership Program.  Schools, community groups, and organizations throughout the last four years have submitted applications to receive these matching funds, resulting in the completion of many projects, including outdoor playground equipment and field work.  $1 million is again included in the replacement levy to be available for matching funds and another $500,000 is designated to be part of necessary improvements to the former Woodway High School fields project being pursued cooperatively and jointly with several community organizations and the District.

Please feel free to give us a call in Community Relations at 425-431-7044 or email jakalad@edmonds.wednet.edu if you have any other questions about this important issue.

Thank you, and please remember to vote.

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