HOW IS THIS Replacement LEVY DIFFERENT FROM THE BOND WE PASSED IN FEBRUARY 2019?
Our community voted to approve a bond to build four new schools, but this did not take away our need to replace our expiring levy. Remember, bonds are for building and levies are for learning. The Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy supports all other District programs and bridges the gap for essential funding beyond state basic education.
Video: Bonds & Levies | What is the difference?
Video: Bonds & Levies | What is the difference?
Why does the district need this Replacement Levy?
The Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy funds programs and resources for students not fully funded by state basic funding, such as athletics and extracurricular activities, support staff, nurses, counselors, safety and security, professional development for staff, special education, highly capable, routine repairs and much more. The current levy is expiring in 2020, so this will be a renewal of the existing levy.
WHAT IS THE TAX RATE, AND WHY IS IT LOWER THAN THE 2016 LEVY?
The State legislature has established guidelines for districts, lowering the local school tax burden and shifting that burden to the state. Districts may collect the lesser of either $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value or $2,500 per student. For our District, the applicable formula is $2,500 per student, which is estimated to be $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The $1.50 per $1,000 is lower than the levy we passed in 2016, which was on the ballot at $2.16 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The replacement levy funds are essential to the operating budget for school districts across the state, which means this tax is not unique to Peninsula School District.
The $1.50 per $1,000 is lower than the levy we passed in 2016, which was on the ballot at $2.16 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The replacement levy funds are essential to the operating budget for school districts across the state, which means this tax is not unique to Peninsula School District.
How do our our tax rates compare to other districts?
The Peninsula School District will continue to have the lowest overall education tax rate of all school districts in Pierce County.
ISN'T THE STATE FULLY FUNDING EDUCATION?
The state Legislature has made progress in its efforts to fund education and meet the State Supreme Court's order to do so, but the state still only funds basic education. This levy funds 18% of our District’s budget.
What is the history regarding this type of levy?
Peninsula School District voters overwhelmingly approved the Continuing Educational Programs and Operations Levy in 2016, at 70.2%. The 2016 levy expires in December 2020, so the Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy will replace that expiring levy.
How are the levy funds used?
Replacement levy funds ensure our school district's quality education programs continue in our local schools and reflect our community’s investment in our students.
Levy dollars fill the gap beyond the state allocation for basic education, with programs such as safety and security, early learning, special education, highly capable, music, nurses, counselors, teachers, support staff, transportation, preventative maintenance, athletics and activities and professional development for staff.
The Peninsula School District has sound fiscal management that earns top ratings from auditors.
Levy dollars fill the gap beyond the state allocation for basic education, with programs such as safety and security, early learning, special education, highly capable, music, nurses, counselors, teachers, support staff, transportation, preventative maintenance, athletics and activities and professional development for staff.
The Peninsula School District has sound fiscal management that earns top ratings from auditors.
When will ballots be mailed, and when are they due?
Ballots will be mailed January 24, 2020. Ballots are due February 11, 2020. You can place your ballot in the outgoing mail or a mail box without a stamp, or you can put it in a ballot drop box. Click here for map of drop box locations in Pierce County.
how can i get involved and help support this replacement levy?
Vote by February 11, 2020, and remind all your friends and neighbors to vote! We always need volunteers to help reach voters. Email us at info@standup4schools.org or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/standup4schools.