Voters in six Clark County school districts have approved three-year levies to pay for teachers, staff, supplies and activities, according to a first round of election results released Tuesday night.
The replacement levies were on the ballot in Evergreen, Vancouver, Ridgefield, Green Mountain, Hockinson and La Center. Voters in Camas were narrowly favoring a proposed bond to construct new school facilities (see separate story).
Levies require a simple majority — 50 percent plus one vote — to be approved by voters.
Schools in Washington are funded through a combination of federal, state and local dollars. The majority of school district money — from 68 to 75 percent — comes through the state’s general fund, from statewide sales tax and property tax revenues. Another 7 to 11 percent comes from federal funds distributed to states. The remaining 18 to 24 percent of a district’s budget comes from voter-approved levies.
School districts use the levy proceeds to pay for a variety of programs not funded by the state, including extra teachers and staff, and extracurricular programs such as athletics and student field trips.
In what is known as the McCleary decision, the state’s top court has directed lawmakers to end the use of local school levies to pay for basic education. No plan is in place, however, so districts must still rely on voter-approved levies.
The county elections office on Tuesday night counted 53,173 ballots of 199,855 mailed to voters, for a turnout rate of 26.6 percent. More ballots will arrive and be tabulated in the coming days, as this count does not include ballots dropped off at a collection location on Tuesday, or mailed by Tuesday’s deadline but not yet delivered by the post office.
Here’s a district-by-district look at the first results:
Evergreen
Evergreen Public School voters approved a $154.5 million three-year replacement maintenance and operations levy with a 60.0 percent yes vote. With almost 27,000 students, Evergreen is the largest school district in Clark County.
Estimated property tax rates per $1,000 of assessed value will be $3.51 in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The tax on a $300,000 home would be $1,053 per year.
“All I can say is how much I appreciate the community support and how much our kids mean to the community,” said Superintendent John Deeder, after the results were announced. “It’s the staff, the kids and the community that do the great things that make people support our schools. We couldn’t be happier. We’re just excited.”
Vancouver
Voters approved a $141.9 million three-year replacement maintenance and operations levy for Vancouver Public Schools by 70.4 percent. Vancouver has almost 24,000 students.
Estimated tax rates per $1,000 of assessed property value will be $3.04 in 2017, $3.02 in 2018 and $3 in 2019. The tax on a $300,000 home would be $912 in 2017, $906 in 2018, and $900 in 2019.
“Oh my gosh! I am overwhelmed by that 70.4 percent approval. It’s perhaps one of the highest returns in the history of the district,” said Superintendent Steve Webb. “It’s an affirmation of the work, the vision and really a reflection of the community’s commitment to their children and their public schools. I’m elated with the results and the returns. I feel so blessed that this community cares so deeply about their children and their public schools. I’m grateful for their ongoing support. That’s from the heart.”
The district’s last maintenance and operations levy was approved in February 2013 by 65.95 percent of voters.
Smaller districts
Voters in Green Mountain School District approved a $1.6 million three-year replacement maintenance and operations levy by 56.1 percent.
Estimated tax rates per $1,000 of assessed property value will be $3.55 in 2017, $3.67 in 2018, and $3.78 in 2019. The tax on a $300,000 home would be $1,065 in 2017, $1,101 in 2018, and $1,134 in 2019.
Voters in the Hockinson School District approved a $13.9 million three-year replacement levy by 53.4 percent. The proposed school program, maintenance and operations levy replaces two levies expiring this year.
Estimated tax rates per $1,000 of assessed property value would be $3.56 in 2017, $3.99 in 2018, and $3.94 in 2019. The tax on a $300,000 home would be $1,068 in 2017, $1,197 in 2018, and $1,182 in 2019.
“I had a very good friend ask me today how I thought it was going to go, and I said, ‘I think we’ll get about 53 percent.’ We got exactly that,” said Superintendent Sandra Yager. “You just hope it passes and you continue to have the support. Obviously, it’s enough. I’m pretty excited tonight to continue to support the education of our kids.”
La Center School District voters approved a $8.4 million three-year replacement maintenance and operations levy by 56.5 percent.
Estimated tax rates per $1,000 of assessed property value will be $2.87 in 2017, $2.93 in 2018, and $2.99 in 2019. The tax on a $300,000 home would be $861 in 2017, $879 in 2018, and $897 in 2019.
Voters in Ridgefield School District approved a $20.1 million three-year replacement maintenance and operations levy by 63.7 percent.
Estimated tax rates per $1,000 of assessed property value will be $2.46 in 2017, $2.54 in 2018, and $2.62 in 2019. The tax on a $300,000 home would be $738 in 2017, $762 in 2018 and $786 in 2019.
