February 8, 2011 Maintenance & Operations Levy -
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q:Is the Port Angeles School District going to run another levy request?
A: Yes. The Port Angeles School District Board of Directors is placing a four-year replacement maintenance and operations levy before voters on the February 8, 2011 ballot. It will be a levy replacement for the existing four-year levy which expires at the end of 2011.
Q:What exactly is the levy?
A:A levy is a property tax on real estate that helps finance educational programs and operations of public schools. The levy specifies an amount to be collected each year. The February 8, 2011 levy is a replacement levy for one approved in February 2007. If approved, voters would be renewing the current four-year levy expiring at the end of 2011.
Q:What percentage of the District's budget does the levy represent?
A:When the levy amount is compared to all of the School District’s resources, the requested levy amount represents approximately 24% of the School District’s total budget.
Q:How are levy dollars spent now?
A:Basic education-55%; maintenance & operation of buildings-17%; special education-11%; other programs (career technical education, athletics, music, student activities)-10%; student transportation-7%.
Q:What are the election requirements?
A:Washington State law requires school levy measures to achieve a majority vote - that means that at least 50% plus one of the votes must be “YES” in order for the measure to pass.
Q:How do I vote?
A:A ballot for the Port Angeles School District February 8, 2011 levy election will be mailed to the homes of registered voters on or around January 19, 2011. Ballots must be returned by mail or in person to the Clallam County Courthouse by 8:00 p.m. February 8, 2011. If you do not receive your ballot or need a replacement, please call Voter Registration at 360.417.2221.
Q:What is a levy lid?
A:The legislature grants school boards the authority to request local school funds through a maintenance and operations levy for up to 28% (the lid) of the total of the district’s state and federal revenues. Port Angeles School District is requesting approximately 24% on the February 8, 2011 ballot.
Q:Is the School District requesting additional levy funds?
A:Yes. Due to the decreasing funding support from Washington State, it is necessary to conservatively raise the requested levy amount.
Q:Does an increase in property values mean schools get more money?
A:No. Only an increase in the levy amount means schools get more money.
Q:Why does the Port Angeles School District need levy funds every year?
A: The legislature only funds approximately 65% of what it costs to provide a child’s public education. The balance of the money needed is expected to come from local levies and the federal government.
Q:Did recent State budget shortfalls result asking for a higher levy?
A:Yes. The Board of Directors is asking for a higher levy to offset the loss of Washington State cuts and to guard against deeper cuts expected from legislative mandated costs.
Q:What District programs and operations are supported by this levy?
A: The Port Angeles School District levy provides critical funding for important programs that could not be offered without it. The February 8, 2011 levy request totals approximately 24% of the School District’s budget. Programs like athletics, music, drama, debate and other student activities get all of their funding from the levy. Part of the cost of career & technical education, student transportation, regular maintenance to school buildings, special education services, and staff trainings come from the levy.
Q:Does the District still need levy money if enrollment is declining?
A:Yes. When enrollment is declining, so too, does the amount of money received from the state. This is because state funding is based on the numbers of students being served by the School District. As state funding declines, due to lower enrollment, the local levy dollars become a larger portion of the dollars needed for maintaining the day-to-day operations of schools.
Q:What if the levy doesn’t pass?
A:A levy failure will mean elimination or reduction of significant levy-supported programs and activities that enrich and support the lives and education of our children, and could critically impact our families and community. Cutting the budget to fund only the bare minimum would require the reduction of quality teaching staff and support services, plus much more.
Q:Can’t the money to do these things be found somewhere else?
A:The levy is the “somewhere else.” Schools are limited by law as to where they can raise the money—the levy is the primary place allowed.
Q:Can we use bond money to meet levy-funded needs?
A: Bond money and levy money are for two completely different purposes. Bond money must be used to build or replace school buildings and major equipment. Maintenance and operation levies help pay for the annual cost of running our schools. The School District can not use bond funds for normal operations. Washington State school districts depend on maintenance and operation levies for operating revenue.
Q: How can I find out more information about my personal property tax history?
A:You may view Parcel/Tax Search on the Clallam County website to complete a data search for your personal property.
Q:Am I tax exempt?
A:An exemption is available for qualifying seniors and low-income homeowners. Those interested should contact the Clallam County Assessor’s office by phone at 360.417.2207 or email web_assessor@co.clallam.wa.us.
Q:Does passing the levy support local economic development?
A: Yes. Area realtors, Clallam County Economic Development Council leadership, and Olympic Medical Center spokespersons have stated that businesses, physicians, and families ask about quality schools when thinking about moving to or starting a business in Port Angeles. The maintenance and operations levy is necessary to provide money for basic education, for special education, and for a well-rounded education.
Updated 1/14/2011.
Levy questions, comments and suggestions may be sent via email to: levy@portangelesschools.org, or by U.S. Mail to: Superintendent, Port Angeles School District, 216 East Fourth Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362.
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