Proposition 1: Educational Programs and Operations Levy. Updated

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1 Frequently Asked Questions Snoqualmie Valley School District February 11, 2014 Replacement Levies Educational Programs & Operations Levy and Technology Levy Updated What SVSD ballot measures have been proposed for the upcoming election? The Snoqualmie Valley School Board has approved two four-year replacement levy propositions an Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O) and a Technology Levy to appear on the February 11, 2014 election ballot. These levy propositions would replace the current Maintenance and Operations (M&O) and Technology levies which will expire in Approval of these levies would cover program and technology needs for four more years: 2015, 2016, 2017 and Is the February election mail-in only? Yes. In King County, all elections are mail-in only. The deadline to register to vote in the February election is January 13, Ballots will be mailed to registered voters on January 24, and signed ballots must be postmarked on or before February 11, 2014 to be counted. How can I register to vote? If you are new to King County, you can register online at: To make an address change to your current King County registration, call the King County Elections Office at (VOTE) or toll free For other changes, you must fill out a form (available online) and mail it in. Registration forms must be postmarked 29 days prior to an election. You can also register in person up to 8 days before an election at the King County Elections Office (919 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA ). Proposition 1: Educational Programs and Operations Levy What would the Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy pay for? This Educational Programs and Operations Levy, if approved, would replace the current M&O Levy that was approved by voters in The levy would cover approximately 24% of the costs required to operate our school district. Funding from this levy makes up the difference between what the district receives from state and federal governments and the actual costs required to fund the educational programs and day-to-day operations of SVSD schools. This levy provides for: Educational programs Extra teachers to reduce class size Student activity programs (music, drama, debate, sports, extracurricular) Course offerings at Mount Si High School (Advanced Placement and 6 th period classes) Safety and security enhancements School operations School support staff not funded by the state (educational assistants, custodians, cooks, school nurses, music specialists, counselors, librarians, physical education specialists, coaches/advisors, and others) Transportation Special education and remediation programs Page 1

2 Utilities, supplies, classroom materials Curriculum, textbooks, library resources Professional training and planning time for our teachers Locally-bargained compensation for certificated and classified staff Is this EP&O levy a new tax? No. The name has simply been changed from Maintenance and Operations (M&O) to Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) to more accurately represent its purpose. The proposed EP&O Levy would renew funding that will expire in Why does the district have to ask local voters to approve levies to cover approximately 24% of its operating budget? Many basic needs -- such as textbooks, transportation, technology, and staffing that is required to operate our schools -- are not fully funded by Washington State. The Programs and Operations levies have been needed to renew school district operating revenues for more than 30 years in our district and state. In the Snoqualmie Valley School District, about 24% of day-to-day costs are covered by the current M&O Levy. In addition, funding in our district falls behind most others in the amount of revenues per pupil received from the state, based on demographic factors defined by the state s funding formula. Our district ranks 275 th out of the 295 school districts in revenues per pupil (and ranks lowest in funding per pupil among school districts in King County). Following several years of significant budget cutbacks from the state, renewal of local funding support is needed to sustain existing educational programs and opportunities for our students commensurate with neighboring districts. What is the cost of the proposed levy? Voters authorize a fixed annual amount for collection in school levy elections. Approval of this fouryear replacement levy would authorize: $15,500,000 in 2015; $16,500,000 in 2016; $17,500,000 in 2017; and $18,500,000 in Estimated tax rates (per $1000 of property valuation) would include: $2.70 in 2015, $2.79 in 2016, $2.88 in 2017, and $2.95 in While tax rates can fluctuate each year, the total amount collected will never exceed the amounts authorized by the voters. Below are some examples of current and future estimated levy tax bills: Home Value 2014 Estimated Tax Bill (current levy) 2015 Estimated Tax Bill (proposed levy) annual monthly annual monthly $200,000 $496 $41 $540 $45 $350,000 $868 $72 $945 $79 $500,000 $1,240 $103 $1,350 $113 Estimated 2014 tax rate is $2.48/$1,000 assessed valuation (AV). The 2015 estimated tax rate is $2.70/$1000 AV. Page 2

3 What does the current Levy cost? Approved by voters in 2010, the estimated tax rate of $2.48 per $1,000 will apply in Although voters authorized collection of up to $16,500,000 in 2014 with the current Maintenance and Operations Levy, the actual amount that the district will collect is about $13,800,000. This is due to the decline in property values, which limits the total amount to which the levy lid percentage is applied. The amount not collected remains with taxpayers. How was the amount determined for the proposed EP&O Levy? The amount of an operations levy is limited by a levy lid that the state sets for each school district. This levy lid restricts local school district levy amounts to a percentage of the state revenues they receive. The state sets different lid limits for different districts, and some districts are grandfathered at much higher rates. For example, the levy lid for the Snoqualmie Valley School District is currently 28.83%, while Mercer Island has a levy lid of 37.67% and Bellevue has a 34.66% levy lid. The proposed levy would authorize collection up to our levy lid. Proposition 2: Technology Levy What would the proposed Technology Levy pay for? The Technology Levy would replace the current levy which expires in If approved, this fouryear replacement levy would provide $2,700,000 in each of the four years following the election: 2015, 2016, 2017, and The Technology Levy would provide: Classroom technology resources including mobile devices, multimedia presentation tools, web resources that help students engage in learning, research, collaborate, create and share their work. Instructional training, equipment and materials to add more Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) educational opportunities throughout our schools (such as Robotics, Intro to Engineering, Project Lead the Way). On-going training for teachers on how to utilize classroom technologies, such as mobile devices, to maximize student learning, communication and accountability. Support for technology infrastructure including replacement of older computers, printers, phones and copiers. Enhanced communication tools, school safety and security, and data management systems to improve operational efficiencies and empower teachers to use student assessment data effectively to help individualize instruction. Why do we need a replacement Technology Levy? Our state does not include technology in it definition of basic education and provides no funding for it. Consequently, ALL technology equipment, service support and training must come from funds approved by local voters. The current Technology Levy will expire in Thanks to previous technology levies, the district now has a technology infrastructure that has become an integral part of interactive instructional methods and administrative operations throughout the district. As technology continues to evolve and expectations continue to rise, ongoing support is necessary for technology equipment, support personnel, peripherals and professional development. Passage of this levy would also help ensure our students access to technology resources and STEM curricula to prepare students for 21 st Century careers -- opportunities that are comparable to what neighboring districts are providing their students. Page 3

4 How was the Technology Levy determined? A Technology Advisory committee with 25 community and staff members met several times during the past year to evaluate the district s technology needs, study research and best practices, and assess costs. The committee proposed a replacement Technology Levy to address the following key goals: Increase student engagement and learning Maximize the effectiveness of teachers Provide timely access to data and information to assist in decision making and school improvement plans Improve communications and technology dependent life/safety systems and programs What is the cost of the proposed Technology Levy? If approved, voters would authorize a fixed annual amount for local collection of $2,700,000 each year for the next four years. Estimated tax rates (per $1000 of property valuation) are as follows: $0.47 in 2015, $0.46 in 2016, $0.44 in 2017, and $0.43 in While tax rates can fluctuate each year, the total amount collected would never exceed the amounts authorized by voters. Below are some examples of current and future estimated Technology Levy tax bills: Home Value 2014 Estimated Tax Bill (current levy) 2015 Estimated Tax Bill (proposed levy) annual monthly annual monthly $200,000 $88 $7 $94 $8 $350,000 $154 $13 $165 $14 $500,000 $220 $18 $235 $20 Estimated 2014 tax rate is $0.44/$1,000 assessed valuation. The 2015 estimated tax rate is $0.47/$1,000 (AV). What does the current Technology Levy cost? Approved by voters in 2010, the current Technology Levy authorized up to $2,475,000 to be collected each year. In 2014, the estimated tax rate of $0.44 per $1,000 assessed property value will apply in order to levy this amount. The current Technology Levy will expire in Is there a levy lid on Technology Levies? There is no levy lid on technology levies in our state. Careful consideration was given to identifying a per pupil technology investment that is comparable with neighboring districts. How does our district s investment in technology compare with neighboring school districts? The Snoqualmie Valley School District spends less per student on technology than most of our neighboring districts. The following table compares current technology investments (per pupil spending) among neighboring districts. Page 4

5 Current Technology Expenditures Select school districts with existing capital levies, approved in 2010: School District FTE Annual Per Student Enrollment Tech Spending Bellevue 18,123 $13,000,000 $717 Mercer Island* 4,205 $2,450,000 $583 Lake Washington 24,330 $13,000,000 $534 Issaquah 17,297 $8,231,000 $476 Snoqualmie Valley 6,154 $2,475,000 $402 Tahoma 7,507 $2,700,000 $360 Riverview 3,111 $967,581 $311 Northshore 19,737 $6,000,000 $304 Renton* 14,429 $3,500,000 $243 *District that ran levies in previous year. How does the proposed Technology Levy compare to other school districts planning to run a Technology Levy in February? Many of our neighboring districts are in the process of finalizing levy propositions that they also plan to put before their voters in the February 2014 election. The following chart shares information available to date (as of November), and compares per pupil technology spending that each district would provide -- pending voter approval of their replacement levy. Proposed Technology Expenditures, pending voter approval in 2014 Select school districts with likely amounts for technology levies, if approved in February2014: School District May 2013 Proposed Per Student FTE Enrollment 2014 Annual Tech Spending Bellevue 19,104 $26,000,000 $1,361 Lake Washington 25,037 $21,400,000 $855 Issaquah 18,422 $10,422,000 $567 Mercer Island* 4,359 $2,450,000 $562 Riverview 3,305 $1,600,000 $484 Northshore 20,399 $9,250,000 $453 Snoqualmie Valley 6,350 $2,700,000 $425 Tahoma 7,733 $2,700,000 $349 Renton* 14,902 $3,500,000 $235 *Districts that ran levies in previous year. Page 5

6 How does Snoqualmie Valley s school tax rate compare to the total school tax rates of other districts? Snoqualmie Valley School District s total tax rate in 2013 is $4.28 per $1,000 assessed value. This amount includes the following components: Levy - $2.40 Bonds - $1.43 Capital (Tech Levy) - $0.45 Total SVSD 2013 Tax Rate - $4.28 The following chart compares 2013 School Tax rates (per $1,000 assessed property valuation) among King County school districts. King County 2013 School Tax Rates Federal Way 7.55 Auburn 6.62 Tahoma 6.25 Kent 6.03 Enumclaw 5.89 Shoreline 5.87 Highline 5.71 Tukwila 5.70 Renton 5.36 Northshore 5.30 Riverview 4.90 Issaquah 4.74 Snoqualmie Valley 4.28 Vashon Island 4.04 Lake Washington 3.75 Bellevue 3.25 Mercer Island 2.66 Seattle 2.45 What happens if the levies do not pass? If this replacement EP&O Levy proposition does not pass, another levy would be re-submitted to the voters immediately. Ultimately, if the EP&O Levy does not pass, the District would need to cut 24% of its spending to adjust to the loss of local revenue upon which it currently depends. Following several years of budget reductions from the state, the loss of another 24% of revenues to operate our schools day-to-day and compensate staff would require a magnitude of reductions that our district has not yet experienced. If the Technology Levy does not pass, our ability to provide learning opportunities for students that are appropriate for society s changing needs would be significantly diminished. Our district s investment in technology and training for students and staff would fall far behind neighboring school districts. Our ability to attract, compensate and retain quality teachers may also be challenged. Page 6

7 Educational Funding: How are school districts funded? In Washington State, funding for day-to-day operations of public schools comes from three main sources: state, federal, and local taxpayers. Washington State has not redefined its funding model for public education since 1977 and does not fully fund current educational programs and services. Therefore, nearly all 295 school districts in Washington State must ask their local communities to cover a significant portion of these basic needs by approving local levies. In our district, 24% of operational costs are covered with the current M&O Levy, which expires in Funding from local levies supports a variety of student programs and activities, school safety and security, instruction, smaller class sizes, technology, transportation, plus staff salaries, benefits and training. How is the Snoqualmie Valley School District funded? Revenues that comprised the General operating budget included: 64% from the state, 4% from federal funding, 24% from local levies and about 8% from other local non-tax sources (donations, fees, grants, sales, etc.) The state provides for about 64% of the Snoqualmie Valley School District s General Fund, based on a per pupil revenue formula that considers full-time enrolled students. Unfortunately, due to a variety of funding constraints, the Snoqualmie Valley School District receives significantly less revenues per pupil than other school districts. As mentioned previously, Snoqualmie Valley schools rank 275 th out of 295 districts in Washington, according to the most recent data available from the state. Local Maintenance and Operations (M & O) Levy revenue comprises about 24% of the district s overall operating budget. The levy amount, which requires voter approval every four years, is based on a levy lid set by the state. Collection is based on property tax assessments and the tax base in the district. Local non-tax revenues account for about 8% of the General Fund budget, and include donations, tuition-based preschool, full-day kindergarten, traffic safety, summer school and pay-for-participation fees for extracurricular activities. [Note: School bonds provide local revenues as well, but these pay for capital building projects, not day-to-day operating costs paid through the General Fund budget.] Page 7

8 The federal government also provides some funding for programs such as special education, vocational education, English Language Learners, Head Start, Title 1, free and reduced lunch programs, and some mathematics and science enrichment. All together, federal contributions add up to about 4% of the district s total revenues. What s the difference between a bond and a levy? Bonds provide long-term financing (typically 20 years) for capital projects such as the construction of schools, acquisition of land, and purchase of equipment or modular buildings. Bond funds cannot be utilized to pay for day-to-day operating costs required to run schools. Bonds require a supermajority (60% voter approval) to pass. Levies are more short-term in nature (typically one to six years) and are intended to cover ongoing day-to-day operations of the district. Because state and federal revenues do not fully fund public education, the district must ask local taxpayers to pass levies every four years to fill the gap in funding, in order to provide basic programming needs for students. Levies require a simple majority (50% voter approval) to pass. There are a few different types of levies our district has used: 1. Educational Programs and Operations Levies (also called Maintenance and Operations) provide funding for day-to-day operations and programming for students. This levy funds about 24% of the Snoqualmie Valley School District s annual operating budget and requires renewal from local district voters every four years. 2. Technology Levies pay for technology systems, such as: computers, printers, mobile devices, other peripherals, software, information resources, tech support personnel and training to use the technology. It also supports curriculum and supplies for expanding learning opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). 3. Transportation Levies provide funding for the purchase of new school buses. (Note: There is no SVSD Transportation Levy planned for 2014.) What is the history for passing levies in our school district? Our district must run levy elections every four years to sustain education programs, services and resources needed to day-to-day educational programs and operations (EP&O), technology and sometimes transportation (when buses must be added or replaced). Voters in the Snoqualmie Valley have a strong history of passing levies, every four years. Most recently, levies passed voter approval in The proposed levies would renew funding of those levies, when they expire in Are any other school measures being considered in our district? Yes. The School Board has been working over the past two years to develop a plan to expand school district facilities to meet the needs of our growing student enrollment. After months of in-depth reports and discussion, they are working to finalize details on a potential school bond proposition that they are considering for a future election date, possibly this spring. More information will be forthcoming soon as the Board works to define a preliminary proposition to vet with the public and staff in upcoming meetings. Page 8