Support a levy built for learning | Guest op
Published 2:02 pm Wednesday, January 13, 2016
On Feb. 9, Auburn School District voters will be asked to support a renewal of the Educational Program and Operations Replacement Levy for the district for the next four years.
We urge you to vote yes to support our students and schools. This funding provides critical, basic instructional program services and supports across the district.
The ballot issue before voters is not for a new tax but represents a renewal of the levy passed overwhelmingly by education supporters four years ago.
The district continues to be an effective and responsible steward of our tax revenue. Refinancing bonds has saved monies and the new high school project is coming in under budget and on schedule for completion. Tax rates will not change with passage of the levy.
Levies are for learning. The educational programming and activities supported by the levy are vital, core educational services impacting students in every school. Currently, 21 percent of the district’s general fund budget comes from educational program and operations levy funding. Levy revenue can only be used to support instruction and programming support.
Where does your levy dollar go?
• 42 percent: educational programs (includes regular and special education, AP, honors, ELL, career and technical education)
• 17 percent: educational operations (curriculum, textbooks, classroom equipment, supplies and training)
• 14 percent: maintenance and custodial (utilities, building upkeep, grounds care, custodial service, printing)
• 13 percent: athletics and activities – funded 100 percent by the levy dollars (coaches, advisors, equipment, instruments)
• 13 percent: special education (health services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, staff, curriculum)
• 1 percent: transportation (operations of buses, fuel, maintenance, activities and special transportation)
The state Legislature is back in session. The impact of the McCleary decision is far from certain for schools around the state, including Auburn. The Legislature has proven time and again that it will delay and defer taking action to support our schools.
Unless and until there is a comprehensive, basic education funding plan passed in Olympia, districts must continue to act on their own and rely on local tax collection to provide vital services.
On behalf of all of our committee volunteers, friends of education, district alumni and committee supporters, we urge you to join us in voting yes by Feb. 9. Help us support our students and continue the successes the district has been building.
Submitted by Auburn Citizens for Schools Executive Committee: Ryan Anderson, president; Kelly McDonald, treasurer and director of strategic messaging; and Diane Jordan, secretary.
