Replacement
School Programs and
Operation Levy

Election Day — Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Message from the Board and Superintendent
Proposition Language
What the Replacement Levy Funds
Graph: Overall Tax Impact if the Replacement Levy is Approved
Academic Growth and Success for our Students Continues
Questions & Answers
Tax Exemption for Seniors

Message from the Board and Superintendent

The Edmonds School District is holding an election Tuesday, February 9, 2010, with an important measure on the ballot: a Replacement School Programs and Operation Levy. Below you will find more detailed information on this measure.

"This measure is not additional funding – it is what we need in order to continue to operate each day," School Board President Ann McMurray said. "It directly supports the learning and teaching in each classroom across our district in Brier, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Woodway, and unincorporated Snohomish County."

The replacement levy directly funds the classroom and support programs.

"The replacement levy represents 20 cents of every dollar spent to provide and support student learning," School Board Vice President Susan Phillips said.

Superintendent Nick Brossoit added: "This is a supportive community, and this is an important issue. This measure will allow us to continue the work we need to do in our schools. We appreciate the public's interest in learning more about this measure and encourage people to vote February 9, 2010."

PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE February 9, 2010

PROPOSITION NO. 1
Replacement School Programs & Operation Levy

The Board of Directors of Edmonds School District No. 15, serving the communities of Brier, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace and Woodway, adopted Resolution No. 09-41, concerning a proposition to finance school programs and operations. This proposition would authorize the District to replace an expiring levy and to levy the following excess taxes upon all taxable property within the District, for support of the District’s General Fund program and operation expenses. The replacement levy collection averages $43.9 million per year for each of the four years, 2011 through 2014. With the replacement, the rates per thousand are projected to increase slightly from $1.64 per $1,000 in 2011 to $1.75 per $1,000 in 2014. These rates are lower than the current levy rates, which will expire at the end of 2010 and ranged from $2.00 per $1,000 in 2007 to $1.75 per $1,000 in 2010.

What the Replacement Levy Funds...

• Additional teachers to help keep class sizes smaller
• Paraeducators and staff who support the educational program
• Textbooks and instructional materials
• Student transportation
• Athletics, music, and drama
• Co-curricular activities
• Services for special-needs students
• Support for programs, services, and technology
• Staff training to improve teaching and student learning

Overall Tax Impact if the Replacement Levy is approved

How Edmonds Compares

Academic Growth and Success for Our Students Continues

Edmonds School District students continue to successfully move toward graduation after showing continued progress on last year's Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL)] Students across most grade levels exceeded the state averages in the areas tested: reading, mathematics, writing, and scence. The scores in high school exceeded the state results, showing that students are well prepared when they reach this key benchmark in their education.

Questions? Call Tony Byrd, Teaching and Learning, 425-431-7050

Questions & Answers

Proposition No. 1
Replacement School Programs and Operation Levy

What does replacement of the School Programs and Operation Levy fund?
The School Programs and Operation Levy represents approximately 20 percent of the District’s total general operating budget. These funds allow the District to provide local support for: teachers to keep class sizes smaller; paraeducators and sta who support the educational program; textbooks and instructional materials; student transportation (above state funding); athletics; music; co-curricular activities; services for special-needs students; support for programs, services, and technology; and staff training. This levy will replace the current levy which ends in 2010. This is not an additional or new tax.

How does the current economy affect my local school taxes if the replacement levy is approved?
Since voters approve a fixed total levy amount, if total property values in the district decrease, the rate per $1,000 is higher but is calculated against the decreased value of your property. The result is you pay approximately the same amount of tax. If overall property values in the district increase, the rate per $1,000 is lower but is calculated against the increased value of your property. The result is you pay approximately the same amount of tax. Individual properties may increase or decrease at different rates than the overall total property value change. Questions? Contact Marla Miller at 425-431-7036.

Is there a way to calculate my projected individual overall local school tax rate for 2011 if the replacement levy is approved?

Why do communities have local school programs and operation levies?
People want their local schools to provide better programs and services than what is possible when only funded by the state. In order to continue programs and services, the law requires that these replacement levies be renewed by voters.

Can the District collect more if assessed valuations start to go up again?
Voters authorize a maximum amount that can be collected each year of the four-year levy. Even if the assessed valuation of property again begins to climb, the amount the District can collect remains the same.

How can I get more information or have someone speak to my group or organization about the levy?
Please visit this website for updates or call DJ Jakala in Community Relations at 425-431-7044 if you or your organization would like a person to come to your meeting to make a presentation.