Eastside Education Network
  • About
    • Meet Beth
    • Board of Directors
    • Mission
    • Values
  • Blog
    • News You Can Use
  • Get Involved
  • Contact

Sign up to receive our emails

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  

New law eases training burdens for foster parents

Mar 26 by Eastside Education Network Leave a Comment

Rep. Paul Graves (R-Fall City)

A child is placed in foster care when their family cannot care for them. Foster families serve as a temporary substitute family while the child’s parents are given the opportunity to engage in services to help them resolve their challenges and provide a safe home environment. These services might include parenting classes, mental health counseling or chemical dependency treatment.

Washington state faces a chronic shortage in the number of licensed foster families, which means too often children who need foster homes can’t get them. In the 2018 legislative session, State Rep. Paul Graves (R-Fall City) sponsored legislation to help make it easier for prospective foster parents to complete the required training to earn their foster care license by giving them online options for some parts of it. In this Q&A Rep. Graves explains the new law.

Question: What is the law’s purpose?  

Answer: The purpose is to make it a little easier to become a foster parent. Right now, you have taken about 40 hours of training before you can apply to get your foster parent license. That’s just as it should be. It’s a tough job, and people should know what they’re getting into. But you must do all of it in person, often at inconvenient hours in inconvenient locations. The goal with this bill is to put the training online, and for the department to allow people to take some, but not all of it, online.

Question: How will the new training work?

Answer: The precise details are still to be worked out. The first step is to put all the training online. The plan then is to consider how much of it can sensibly be taken online, and how to make sure people are actually reviewing the training when they take it online.

Question: What prompted your involvement?

Answer: I’ve worked substantially over my legal career providing free representation for the best interests of foster kids in trial courts. I know how challenging it can be to be a foster parent, and we need more people doing that important work. When talking with people about taking a step to explore becoming a foster parent, this training was regularly mentioned as a stumbling block. We are a high-tech state and our foster parent training should reflect that.

Question: What are some of the biggest challenges foster children face? What can state and local governments do to help address some of those needs?

Answer: You usually don’t go into foster care without a rough home life in the first place. Add on top of that losing everything you’ve known. Then pile on a move to a new and unfamiliar place, often involving a school change and losing connections with your friends and siblings. Any adult facing all of that would struggle, and it’s even more difficult for children. The biggest challenges are personal and cultural, and those are difficult for government to fix. But the state can help by working to make sure that kids go to safe and loving homes, that they are disrupted as little as possible (which is why we need geographic diversity for foster parents), that they get support from school and counselors, and that they move to permanence in their lives as rapidly as feasible.

Question: If you could tell someone thinking about becoming a foster parent just one thing, what would it be?

Answer: You don’t need to be a superhero. You just need to be a reasonable, caring person. Many seek to adopt children in foster care, but we could use a lot more temporary care foster parents. Too often kids are taken from their homes and there is no spot immediately available, so they end up sleeping in hotels or at department offices. Just having a bed and a safe house while permanent care is set up is critical, and that’s a smaller commitment that more people can both take on and that many people don’t know about. If you’ve ever considered being a foster parent, I’d encourage you to take the next step. You might not be able to solve the whole problem, but you can do much good.

To learn more about becoming a foster parent, visit the information page for foster parent licensing at the Children’s Administration website here, and the National Foster Parent Association here.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: foster parents, Rep. Paul Graves

Final results – Feb. 2018 levy and bond measures

Feb 24 by Beth Sigall Leave a Comment

The results are in from the Feb. 2018 levy and bond measures for school districts across the state. Locally, most agreed these elections had a decidedly different vibe than ones in past years, as school districts and taxpayers adjust to a new education funding plan passed out of the legislature in 2017. During this “bridge” year of implementing the plan, state property taxes are going up while school districts begin the process of dialing back local levies.

Despite these somewhat turbulent tax crosswinds, voters appear to have mostly passed their local levies (which primarily go towards supporting school operations). According to analysis from the Washington Education Association, voters across the state approved 95 percent of local levies for school operations. Bonds – which fund school building construction and require a 60 percent +1 margin for passage – did not fare as well. Locally, bonds in Everett, Lake Washington did not pass, while Northshore’s measure did.

Here’s are the final voting results from EEN’s districts (based on results provided at county election sites as of Feb. 24, 2018):

Bellevue

Replacement education programs and operations levy (Proposition 1)

YES: 54%

NO: 46%

Replacement technology and capital projects levy (Proposition 2)

YES: 52%

NO: 48%

Bus levy (Proposition 3)

YES: 55%

NO: 45%

Everett

Replacement education programs and operations levy (Proposition 1)

YES: 55%

NO: 45%

Capital bond (Proposition 2)*

YES: 55%

NO: 45%

Issaquah

Renewal educational programs and operations levy (Proposition 1)

YES: 51%

NO: 49%

Renewal capital projects levy (Proposition 2)

YES: 54%

NO: 46%

School bus levy (Proposition 3)

YES: 57%

NO: 43%

Lake Washington

Replacement education programs and operations levy (Proposition 1)

YES: 55%

NO: 45%

Renewal capital projects levy (Proposition 2)

YES: 55%

NO: 45%

Capital bond (Proposition 3)*

YES: 54%

NO: 46%

Mercer Island

Replacement education maintenance and operations levy (Proposition 1)

YES: 72%

NO: 28%

Northshore (includes King and Snohomish counties)

Renewal education programs and operations levy (Proposition 1)

YES: 62%

NO: 38%

General obligations bonds (Proposition 2)*

YES: 61%

NO: 39%

Renewal capital projects technology levy (Proposition 3)

YES: 62%

NO: 38%

Riverview

Renewal education programs and operations levy (Proposition 1)

YES: 52%

NO: 48%

Renewal technology and capital projects levy (Proposition 2)

YES: 53%

NO: 47%

Transportation vehicle fund levy (Proposition 3)

YES: 55%

NO: 45%

Snoqualmie Valley

Renewal education programs and operations levy (Proposition 1)

YES: 52%

NO: 48%

Renewal capital projects (Proposition 2)

YES: 53%

NO: 47%

*Under Washington state law, school construction bonds require 60 percent +1 for passage.

King County Feb. 2018 election results: click here

Snohomish County 2018 election results: click here

Filed Under: Education Funding, Feb 2018 Ballot Measure Overview Tagged With: education funding, levy bond ballot measures

About that property tax bill…

Feb 22 by Joe Fain Leave a Comment

Editor’s note: With property tax bills arriving in the mail, we thought this summary of the new law that changes how we fund education, prepared by State Sen. Joe Fain (Auburn) in a letter to his constituents, was worth sharing. While this analysis focuses on Sen. Fain’s district, the framework is still useful to help taxpayers understand how the new education funding plan and other factors impact their taxes (in fact it’s the best analysis we’ve found so far).

***

In recent weeks you may have seen news stories about property taxes going up, with some attributing the increase to changes made last year in the Legislature. While that’s partially the case, the overall increase is actually due to a variety of factors including a state rate increase, local voter-approved levies and increasing home values throughout the region.

What hasn’t been as widely discussed is how much of that 2018 property tax increase is actually attributable to funding for public schools as well as what will actually be an overall tax decrease for many going into effect next year.

To understand the complicated world of property taxes and education funding I’ve broken down how it works for this week’s email update.

And not to spoil the ending, but we’re in great position to do away with the one-year tax increase thanks to our state’s strong economic growth.

What is happening?

The overwhelming majority of funding for Washington’s public schools comes from the state budget and local “maintenance and operations” levies.

While both of these items appear on your property tax statement, your overall bill is made up of many smaller components, which differ depending on the city and county you live in along with a variety of other taxing districts.

Part of last year’s education funding reforms included an increase in the state property tax rate for education by $0.81/$1,000 of assessed property value. Because this is a statewide change every property sees an increase. Further complicating this topic, the actual rate varies slightly in each of Washington’s 39 counties as different assessors means different methodologies. The state rate is then adjusted as needed to ensure properties are being assessed at full value. In King County, this actually means a net $0.88 rate increase from 2017 to 2018.

But what has been less discussed is how much the increase in the state rate factors into your overall property tax bill. In some school districts, it makes up most, and in others very little.

To get a better sense we’ll take a deeper look at how this plays out in Auburn.

SENATOR’S NOTE: I chose Auburn because the change in property tax rate is in the middle of the pack for South King County with some lower (Covington, Renton) some higher (Kent, Enumclaw) and others close to the same (Federal Way).

Property taxes for the median value home in Auburn are $403 higher in 2018 than in 2017.

Of that total $322 is attributable to changes in education funding, but it’s not actually that simple. The $322 also reflects the fact that the median value home increased significantly from $277,000 in 2017 to $304,000 in 2018. That means $243 of the overall increase is actually attributable to the increased state rate, with the rest a result of the home being worth more than the previous year.

That means roughly 60 percent of the overall property tax increase in Auburn is a result of the increased state property tax rate.

However, another key component of our property tax reform has gone under the radar. Beginning in 2019 the Legislature capped local maintenance and operations levies at $1.50/$1,000 of assessed value, which will lead to a tax reduction in Auburn, Kent, Federal Way, Covington and other South King Community communities starting next year.

The 2017 local levy rates for schools in our community (seen below) would all go down to a maximum of $1.50, meaning a tax cut even after including the increased state rate.

The actual dollar amount will vary depending on future home valuations, but if the median value home in Auburn increased by 5 percent in 2019, as projected by budget staff, the owner of a median value home in Auburn would still see a $200 tax cut over what they paid in 2017. This would be carried out beyond 2019 into 2020 and 2021.

We can still do more

While South King County taxpayers will see a property tax cut starting in 2019, I’m still not a fan of the one-year property tax increase in 2018.

However, we have a way to fix that, which I co-sponsored and have been working on this year.

The two-year state budget we approved in June 2017 projects to balance for four years. Since then we’ve received good economic news.

Based on our third and fourth quarter 2017 revenue forecasts we’re already officially projected to take in $1 billion in additional revenue due to strong economic growth.

We also received news last week that the projected demand for services is actually lower than anticipated, which reduces spending already approved in the budget by $225 million. Furthermore, on Thursday (Feb. 15) we will get our first quarter 2018 revenue forecast, which is expected to be even higher based on previous month’s actual revenue collections.

All told we could be looking at almost $2 billion in additional resources, beyond what is necessary to sustain an already robust state budget. This would allow us to reduce the one-year increase in property taxes while continuing to make a historic investment in our state’s public schools.

***

Note: State Sen. Joe Fain (R) represents South King County’s 47th Legislative District in the Washington State Senate. It includes includes all of Covington and parts of Auburn, Kent, Federal Way and Renton.

Filed Under: Blog, Education Funding Tagged With: education funding, property taxes

What you need to know about local school funding ballot measures

Feb 5 by Eastside Education Network Leave a Comment

On Feb. 13 voters will decide whether to support local levy or bond measures for their school district. This year’s election is the first school districts have run since state lawmakers passed a comprehensive bill in 2017 that invests record amounts in schools  ($7.3 billion over four years) while also overhauling how our state pays for education.

Here at EEN we reviewed all the information each school district made available to the public about their respective ballot measures, then compiled that into our easy-to-use “Ballot Measure Overviews.” We focused on providing voters details about what programs, services and facilities are funded, how much it all costs, and what that means for local taxpayers.

Scroll down to find your school district, then click on the link to learn more about the school funding measures on your local ballot. And of course, please remember to vote!

School District Ballot Measure Overviews

Bellevue School District

Everett School District

Issaquah School District

Lake Washington School District

Mercer Island School District

Northshore School District

Riverview School District

Snoqualmie Valley School District

Note: Some districts provided more information than others about the total impact on taxpayers from local plus state property taxes for education. If you want more details or have additional questions, we encourage you to contact your local school district.

Filed Under: Blog, Education Funding, Feb 2018 Ballot Measure Overview Tagged With: bond measures, February 2018 elections, levy measures, school funding

Issaquah – February 2018 ballot overview

Feb 2 by Eastside Education Network Leave a Comment

Proposition 1 – Renewal Two-Year Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O)

Quick look – This levy pays for basic general classroom and operational needs such as special education, curriculum, extra-curricular activities, and staff salaries that are not fully funded by the state. Total cost = $81.2 million over two years.

Proceeds will fund: 

  • Nurses
  • Mental health counselors
  • Student support coaches
  • Security staff
  • Certificated and classified staff for
    Special Education, Highly Capable, and
    English Language Learner programs
  • Paraeducators
  • Professional development for teachers
    including professional learning days,
    training, and workshops
  • Substitute teachers
  • Career and Technical Education/STEM learning
  • Early Childhood Learning
  • Curriculum materials and training
  • Reduced class sizes
  • Activities and club advisors
  • All extracurricular activities
  • Sports
  • Athletic Directors
  • Coaches
  • High school schedules that create opportunities for acceleration,
    exploration, and remediation.
  • Elementary Dual Language program
  • New teacher mentoring program
  • More academic guidance counselors
  • Increased mental health counselors and support
  • Expanded Early Learning programs

Proposition 2 – Renewal School Bus Ley: Health, Safety and Efficiency

Quick look – proceeds from this levy will provide $2 million in 2019 to purchase 76 buses to enable the District’s fleet to run as safely, cleanly, and efficiently as possible. The levy will allow the District to collect state funding to offset the cost of bus purchases, ensure alignment with state safety standards, and provide the most efficient buses.

Proposition 3 – Renewal Capital Levy: Education Technology and Critical Repairs

Quick look – The District will collect nearly $54 million for technology and $14.5 million for critical repairs over the life of the levy.

Proceeds will fund – For technology, these dollars will fund replacement of aging computers, printers, servers, and document cameras, staff training, development of online classes/educational opportunities, school tech specialists, upgrades of wireless Internet, safety and efficiency software for school bus operations, and continued upgrades to District websites, emergency alert systems, and other e-communications. For critical repairs, the Capital Levy includes maintenance of heating and cooling systems, additional portable classroom space, safety and security upgrades.

Financial impact:

  • Local tax impact: The local Issaquah School District tax rate is expected to decrease an estimated $0.69 per $1,000 in 2019 and $0.49 in 2020.
  • State school taxes: The state portion of school taxes will increase an estimated $0.96/$1,000 and may be further increased by the State Department of Revenue.

Chart #1 Shows the Total Combined Levy including all three local replacement levies, local construction bonds, and the state school levy. The higher tax rate in 2018 is the result of the new state tax and the final collection of the local levy that expires in 2018. Combined tax rates would then begin to level off from 2019-2022.

The total combined tax rate for state and local school levies and construction bonds in 2017 was $6.09 per $1,000 of assessed property value (APV). The total combined rate for state and local school levies and construction bonds will be an estimated $6.92 per $1,000 APV in 2018, then drop back down to an estimated $6.24 per $1,000 in APV in 2019, and increase to $6.49 per $1,000 APV in 2020.

Chart #2 Focuses on the Two-Year Educational Programs and Operations Levy and reflects the shift in property taxes between state and local school levies due to the new school funding legislation enacted by Washington State in June, 2017. Beginning in 2018, the rate of the state portion of school taxes will increase by an estimated $0.96 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The Issaquah School District’s local EP&O levy rate is being reduced by an estimated $0.69 per $1,000 in 2019 and $0.49 in 2020.

Want to learn more?

Issaquah School District Levy Issues

About this series: EEN’s School District Ballot Measure Overview provides voters with information about the February 2018 levy/bond ballot measures, compiled from each school district’s website. EEN intern Cami Brix contributed to this series.

 

Filed Under: Blog, Education Funding, Feb 2018 Ballot Measure Overview

Lake Washington – February 2018 ballot overview

Feb 2 by Eastside Education Network Leave a Comment

Proposition 1 – Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy (EP&O)

Quick look – This levy funds staff, programs, and course offerings not funded completely by the state. Average annual amount collected per year is $63.5 million. Replaces an expiring levy with a $0.23 per thousand AV tax rate decrease. Total Cost = $1.03 per thousand of assessed value. Learn more at the EP&O Levy Detail Cost Sheet here.

Proceeds will fund: 

  • Certificated and classified staff for Special Education, Highly Capable and English Learner programs
  • Substitutes
  • Nurses
  • Health room staff, campus security staff
  • Transportation staff
  • New Teacher Support Program
  • Five (5) professional learning days in August
  • Training, workshops, in-service, professional fund, professional learning
  • Athletic Directors
  • Coaches
  • Athletic Trainers
  • Athletic Advisors
  • Head Start, Ready Start and Special Education preschool

Proposition 2 – Replacement Capital Projects Levy

Quick look – funds critical facility and technology needs not funded by the state. This replaces an expiring levy with no tax rate increase. Average annual amount for facility needs – $13.15 million. Average annual amount for technology needs – $23.6 million. Replaces an expiring levy with no tax rate increase. Learn more at the Capital Projects Detail Sheet here.

Proceeds will fund:

  • Heating, ventilation, water, lighting
  • Roofing, insulation
  • Flooring, door locks, paint
  • Walkways, parking, drainage, parking/site lighting
  • Stadium turf, all-weather fields, tennis courts, tracks
  • Bleachers, storage, fencing, signage
  • Fire alarms
  • Lockdown hardware/window treatment systems
  • ADA access, site access, vehicle flow, student drop off/pick up access
  • Network security, servers, cloud storage
  • Operating systems, phone/voice systems
  • Student and staff computers
  • Classroom technology, interactive/visual, audio/sound systems
  • Security cameras
  • Lifecycle printers
  • Instructional software
  • Library databases
  • Learning management systems
  • Student information system
  • Family/home and community communication systems
  • HR/personnel systems
  • Nutrition/food services systems
  • Data analytics
  • Staff training
  • Professional learning/technology integration

Proposition 3 – Bond To Reduce Overcrowding and Enhance Learning Environments

Quick look – Student enrollment in Lake Washington continues to grow. Proceeds from this bond will upgrade learning environments and provide additional classrooms. This bond maintains the current rate with no tax rate increase.

Proceeds will fund:

  • Remodel/rebuild and enlarge Kamiakin Middle School and Alcott Elementary School
  • Add a new elementary school in Lake Washington Learning Center and a new choice high school in Sammamish
  • Build additions to Lake Washington High School
  • Acquire land for future projects

Financial impact 

 EP&OCapital ProjectsBondTotal
2018$1.26$0.59$1.31$3.16
2019$1.03$0.59$1.31$2.93

From 2018 to 2019, the local levy ask will decrease $0.23.

Note: The Lake Washington School District website did not include information about changes to the upcoming state property tax to pay for education across the state.

Want to learn more?

Lake Washington School District bond and levy information page

About this series: EEN’s School District Ballot Measure Overview provides voters with information about the February 2018 levy/bond ballot measures, compiled from each school district’s website. EEN intern Cami Brix contributed to this series.

 

Filed Under: Blog, Education Funding, Feb 2018 Ballot Measure Overview

Bellevue – February 2018 ballot overview

Jan 31 by Eastside Education Network Leave a Comment

Proposition 1 – Educational Programs & Operations Levy (Renewal)

Quick look – the proceeds from this levy go fund day-to-day classroom and operational needs that are not funded by the state. Total collected in four years = $304 million.

  • 7th period classes and tutorial at middle schools and high schools
  • Additional nurses, counselors, and security
  • Special Education
  • Gifted Programs
  • Orchestra, band, music, and art in elementary schools
  • World languages in middle schools
  • Athletics and after school activities

Proposition 2 – Technology & Capital Projects Levy (Renewal)

Quick look – proceeds from this levy go towards the programs it currently funds. Total collected in four years = $163 million.

Proceeds will fund:

  • Classroom technology and training for teachers
  • Laptops for middle school and high school students
  • Large scale school improvements like the carpeting, roofs, and heating and cooling systems
  • Integrated digital curriculum
  • Collaborative STEM learning
  • Access to new technologies that support student learning

Proposition 3 – School Bus Levy

Quick look – proceeds from this levy go will address growing enrollment by increasing bus capacity for 7-10 years  Total collected in one year = $8 million. 

Proceeds will fund:

  • Less crowded buses
  • Increased convenience with more bus routes
  • Reduced traffic congestion around schools
  • Continued safe travel for field trips and extracurricular activities

Financial impact – The local school tax rate will decrease from $2.93 in 2017 to $2.58 in 2022. This amount includes the cost of bonds previously approved by voters for the construction of new buildings.

Note: The Bellevue School District website did not include information about changes in state property tax rates to pay for education across the state.

Want to learn more?

Bellevue School District February Levy Measures Information Page

About this series: EEN’s School District Ballot Measure Overview provides voters with information about the February 2018 levy/bond ballot measures, compiled from each school district’s website. EEN intern Cami Brix contributed to this series.

Filed Under: Blog, Education Funding, Feb 2018 Ballot Measure Overview

Northshore – February 2018 ballot overview

Jan 31 by Eastside Education Network 1 Comment

Proposition 1 –  Renewal Educational Programs & Operations Levy

Quick look – This levy provides 20 percent of the school district’s budget for educational programs, services and daily operations. Total: $234 million.

Proceeds will fund:

  • Special education
  • Academic support for advanced learners
  • Transportation not funded by the state
  • Interventions for struggling learners
  • Enrichment and extra-curricular activities including music, drama, sports and clubs
  • Basic education needs not funded by the state and federal government’

Proposition 2 –  Capital Projects Bond

Quick look – proceeds from this levy help ease overcrowding now, while also planning for the future growth of the district. Total: $275 million.

Proceeds will fund:

  • Provide safety and security upgrades at every school in the district
  • Build a new K-5 school near Maltby
  • Add 30 classrooms at the Skyview Middle School and Canyon Creek Elementary School campus. View rendering of the proposed building’s side view
  • Create a performing arts and instructional building at Inglemoor High School, ensuring accessibility and equity among high schools
  • Provide maintenance, operation upgrades at many schools

Proposition 3 – Renewal Technology Levy

Quick look – the proceeds from this bond ensure every student has access to technology, and to also make sure teachers and students have the skills to use technology as a valuable learning resource. Total: $62 million.

 Proceeds will fund:

  • 1:1 access to computes/tablets for all grades, which may consist of
    • K-5 graders accessing a cart of devices in their rooms
    • 6-12 graders assigned a device to take to classes
    • Assistive technology for students with special needs
    • District engagement of parents to determine an implementation strategy
    • Training for teachers for classroom technology use
    • Continued student training for online safety, digital citizenship
    • Technology to improve district communications to families

Financial impact – The total local property tax rate for schools is projected to decrease in 2018, increase in 2019 and then continue to decrease from that point forward.

 Current tax rate (per $1,000 AV)New estimate tax rate (per $1,000 AV)Total generated
Educational Programs & Operations Levy$1.93$1.82$234 M
Capital Projects Bond$1.78$1.59$275 M
Technology Levy$0.30$0.48$62 M
$4.01$3.89

Note: The Northshore School District website did not include information about upcoming changes in the state property tax rate to pay for education.

Want to learn more?

2018 Northshore Bond and Levies Overview

Financial impact of local and state levies

About this series: EEN’s School District Ballot Measure Overview provides voters with information about the February 2018 levy/bond ballot measures, compiled from each school district’s website. EEN intern Cami Brix contributed to this series.

Filed Under: Blog, Education Funding, Feb 2018 Ballot Measure Overview

Riverview – February 2018 ballot overview

Jan 31 by Eastside Education Network Leave a Comment

Proposition 1 – Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy

Quick look – The four-year replacement levy would provide $8,450,000 in 2019, $7,800,000 in 2020, $7,820,000 in 2021 and $7,820,000 in 2022.

Proceeds will fund:

  • Additional Classroom
  • Teachers
  • Special Education Services
  • Librarians
  • Music Specialists
  • Physical Ed Specialists
  • Counselors
  • Gifted/Remediation Program
  • Educational Assistants
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • Textbooks/Library Books
  • Support Staff
  • Coaches/Advisors
  • Student Transportation
  • Food Service Staff
  • Custodial/Maintenance
  • Staff Training
  • After-School Programs

Proposition 2 – Technology and Capital Projects Replacement Levy

Quick look – This four-year replacement levy would provide $2,845,000 for collection in each year of 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Proceeds will fund:

  • Student-Issued Devices grades 6-12
  • Classroom Laptop Carts grades 3-5
  • iPads grades K-2
  • Student Learning Software
  • Staff Computer Replacements
  • Classroom Modernizations
  • Wireless Display Panels
  • Increase & Upgrade Wireless
  • Network/Infrastructure Upgrades
  • Replacement Security Cameras
  • Community Notification Software
  • District Robotics Program
  • Career & Technical Education (CTE) Program Equipment
  • Continued Staff Training
  • Portable Additions and Replacement
  • Technology Support Staff
  • Facility Repair and Maintenance

Proposition 3 – Transportation Vehicle Fund Levy

Quick look – the proceeds from this bond will purchase new buses to serve growing student enrollment and to replace existing buses that no longer adequately meet transportation and student safety needs. This is two-year levy that would provide $640,000 in 2019 and $640,000 in 2020.

Financial impact

Approx. local levy tax per $1,000 AVCurrent
2018

2019

2020

2021

2022
Prop #1 Replacement EP&O$2.22$1.93*$1.65*$1.53*$1.42*
Prop #2 Replacement Technology & Capital Levy$0.46$0.65$0.60$0.56$0.52
Prop #3$0$0.15$0.14$0$0
Total $/year per $1,000$2.68$2.73$2.39$2.09$1.94

*Current state plan will change the amounts above to $1.50 per $1,000 assessed valuation

Note: The Riveriew School District website did not include information about upcoming changes to the state property tax rate to pay for education across the state.

Want to learn more?

Riverview School District School Board Approves Ballot Resolutions

Riverview Ballot Resolutions Overview

About this series: EEN’s School District Ballot Measure Overview provides voters with information about the February 2018 levy/bond ballot measures, compiled from each school district’s website. EEN intern Cami Brix contributed to this series.

Filed Under: Blog, Education Funding, Feb 2018 Ballot Measure Overview

Everett – February 2018 ballot overview

Jan 31 by Eastside Education Network Leave a Comment

Proposition 1 – Replacement Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy

Quick look – Average annual amount per year: $49 million. This is less than the $51 million average per year of the levy expiring on Dec. 31, 2018.

Proceeds will fund:

  • Early learning
  • Summer school
  • Extended-day programs
  • Teaching materials and equipment
  • Transportation
  • Music
  • Art
  • Drama
  • Athletics and extracurricular activities
  • Competitive staff salaries
  • Professional training for staff
  • Special education
  • STEM programs
  • Highly Capable programs
  • Ongoing facilities and maintenance

Proposition 2 – Capital Bond

Quick look – proceeds from this $330.6 million bond will fund:

  • Adding 36 permanent elementary classrooms districtwide to lower class size.
  • Improving safety and access at Emerson and Jefferson elementary school, including new parking lots
  • Everett HS cafeteria building modernization and expansion
  • Cascade HS science building modernization and expansion
  • Electrical systems upgrades districtwide
  • HVAC upgrades at four schools and maintenance facility
  • Land for a future elementary school #20
  • Jackson HS classroom retrofits
  • HVAC unit upgrades for 12 portable classrooms
  • Modernizing portions of existing high school space to transform into career-connected learning centers focused on Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing (Cascade HS), Health & Medical (Everett HS), Communications and Information Technology (Jackson HS) and Energy and Sustainability (New HS #4)

Financial impact

If both the Capital Bond and Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy are approved, tax collections to complete those projects begin in 2019. That year the local school tax rate is projected to be $4.89 per each $1,000 of property value. That rate is the lowest local school tax rate for property owners in the district since 2013.  The projected tax rate is expected to remain stable at $4.89 through 2024.

Note: The Everett School District website did not include information about upcoming changes to the state property tax rate to pay for education across the state.

Want to learn more?

Everett School District bond/levy information page

About this series: EEN’s School District Ballot Measure Overview provides voters with information about the February 2018 levy/bond ballot measures, compiled from each school district’s website. EEN intern Cami Brix contributed to this series.

Filed Under: Blog, Education Funding, Feb 2018 Ballot Measure Overview

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • …
  • 35
  • Next Page »

School Districts

  • Bellevue
  • Everett
  • Issaquah
  • Lake Washington
  • Mercer Island
  • Northshore
  • Riverview
  • Snoqualmie Valley

Join the Conversation
recent tweets

  • Bill from Sen. Braun helps families navigate special ed system eastsideedu.com/new-bill-from-… #waleg #waedu

    Feb 4 10:46 am

  • In Washington, special education needs a cultural shift, not just more money. Both. www.thenewstribune.com/news/lo… #waleg… twitter.com/i/web/status/10918…

    Feb 2 5:20 pm

  • About
  • Read the Blog
  • Schools
  • Get Involved
  • Contact
Eastside Education Network
EMAIL US   /   23515 NE NOVELTY HILL RD, SUITE B 221/#241   /   REDMOND, WA 98053