Goldendale Public Schools

Empowering Everyone Through Education

L

LEVY FACT SHEET 2017 MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS LEVY IS A REPLACEMENT Levy

What is a Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Levy? The voter approved 2014 M & O Levy expires December of 2018 and this levy replaces it. Similar to a magazine subscription, the levy expires after the allotted number of years. We must go back to our voters and ask for a continuation, or renewal of levy support. 

We are asking for a 2-year replacement levy.



Due to EHB2242 the state is limiting school districts to $1.50 per thousand that we can request in Local Levy Dollars. This is a huge reduction in levy support. We will do our best to maintain our current levels of staffing and programs. Bottom line: due to this change, the district will lose $798,903 in local levy dollar flexibility.



Levy funds bridge the gap between what the state provides and what the communities expect from their schools.



The rate per thousand is less than the rate we passed for our 2014-2018 levies. Why the rate so much lower than past levies: The State is increasing the state-wide school tax by approximately $.80 cents per thousand.

Election Date Tuesday, February 13th This is a completely mail-in ballot. Please return your ballot early.

Remember to Vote!

Goldendale School District is an Equal Opportunity employer.

How much does it cost? 2019 - $1,943,620 (approximate rate $1.50 / $1,000) 2020 - $1,943,620 (approximate rate $1.50 / $1,000) Amounts are based on per $1,000 of assessed valuation.



Senior citizens (61 and older) who make less than $40,000 may be exempt from levy taxes based on income. Call the County Assessor at 773-3715.

What should you know about your schools? 

We are good stewards of the public’s money. Historically, total expenditures per pupil are below the county average for schools.



Our students have shown the greatest increases in state test scores for our region over the past 10 years.



100% of the senior students enrolled at the Goldendale High School through June 2017 met the District and State requirements for graduation.



Our current M & O Levy provides approximately 20% of our operating budget. This means for every dollar spent, twenty cents is provided by the local taxpayers.

What does this levy fund? Curriculum and Instruction (Teaching)  Continuation of curriculum adoption, teaching materials, library/media materials  STEM (science, technology, engineering & math), robotics & engineering classes  K-12 Health Services (nurse support)  Continuation of counseling services and physical education (5th-8th)  Ongoing Staff Development Facilities and Grounds  Utilities and insurance  Custodial support  Continuation of facility maintenance programs & equipment improvements to keep school facilities safe and secure  Upgrade building communication measures to improve safety in and around the schools Community Use of Building  Gyms, classrooms and fields are open before and after school hours for recreation purposes for students, clubs, and community organizations

Sports and Extra- Curricular Activities  Continuation of after-school activities including athletics, clubs, music, drama and other programs  Transportation for field trips, extra-curricular activities and sports  Salaries for coaches and advisors Technology  Support for school improvement plans in each building  Upgrade computer labs in compliance with state mandated testing standards  Maintain technology needed to support curriculum goals  Student management needs including equipment, software, infrastructure and networking

Our Levy dollars stay in Goldendale

M & O Levy 2019 - Election ‘Quick’ Facts What will be the impact if this Levy fails?

Who can vote? Registered voters within

Without this critical funding, the programs listed above will be severely impacted or eliminated. In addition, since utilities, insurance and maintenance costs will continue to increase, these costs will be shifted and additional programs will be impacted. Impact may lead to larger class size, reduction of staff and reduction of support services.

school district boundaries.

Are levies different than Bonds?

Yes

Levy elections differ from bond elections in that funds from the M & O Levy are used for maintenance and operation of a school district. The money from the sale of bonds can only be used for capital improvements, such as modernization of buildings. We have no bonds at this time. Need more information?

Can I vote on the Levy and not declare a party? Yes When are ballots mailed?

Ballots should be mailed out on January 26, 2018.

Election Date Tuesday, February 13th Mail Your Ballots Early!

Call Mark Heid, Superintendent or Dean Schlenker, Business Manager at 773-5177

Goldendale School District No. 404 604 E. Brooks St. Goldendale, WA 98620 (509) 773-5177 98620

GOLDENDALE PATRON

Non-Profit Permit #105 U.S. Postal Paid Goldendale, WA