Washougal School District is proposing two levies on the April 25 ballot. These are NOT new taxes. Proposed EP&O and Capital Levy rates are LOWER than what Washougal approved in 2020 ($2.14 and $0.22.) Rates are per $1,000 of assessed property value.
What’s at Stake?
Essential student-centered programs are at stake.
After School Clubs
Extracurricular clubs are 100% levy-funded; they will not be possible next school year if the levy fails in April.
“If we didn’t have math club, a lot of students would get Ds and Fs because they wouldn’t have the same support. I love math and I think everyone needs math.” – Sofia Kenyon, Jemtegaard Middle School
“The ASL after school club is open to anyone. My high school experience would have been way different and a lot less fun if I didn’t have the ASL club.” – Anika Adams, student at Washougal High School
“If we didn’t have math support club, then I would be sad because I need help with math and the club is fun. I’m in math support club and kindness club. It’s a good thing to do after a busy school day.” – Aubrey Gale
“At extracurricular clubs, students connect over shared interests. Not only do after school clubs help students find a passion for learning, they also keep students out of trouble,” said Tami Grant, ASL teacher at Washougal High School. “I’ve witnessed so many students bloom in the ASL after school club that I facilitate.”
“Extracurricular activities are so important for kids. When I was a student at Jemtegaard Middle School, I was involved in band, volleyball, Future Business Leaders of America, Spanish club, cheerleading, and ASB. Without levy funding, the district will be unable to fund extracurriculars and athletics at Washougal schools.” – Kiley Harper, teacher at Jemtegaard Middle School.
Athletics
Athletics are 100% levy-funded; they will not be possible next school year if the levy fails in April.
“I love running track and competing in football. I’ve learned how to work with people through school sports.” – Jayson Graham, Washougal High School
“School sports help students to set goals and go after them,” said Tracey Stinchfield, cross country coach at Washougal High School. “It’s amazing to see how students thrive personally and academically when they find a passion in sports. Washougal school athletics are at stake in the April election.“
“I’ve been doing cross country and track for a few years now. School sports teach you about dedication and hard work. I can take what I’ve learned in track and cross country and apply it to my academics.” – Elle Thomas, student at Washougal High School
Performing Arts, including drama and band performances
“I see 250 students every day in my music classes. Music is math. Rhythms are fractions. Learning music makes students’ brains have a big party upstairs.” – Dr. Jennifer Hodapp, Ed.D. (Bohn), Jemtegaard Middle School
“Performing arts is important because it builds skills that you’ll need in the real world. Auditions are a lot like job interviews.” – Libby Gilderhus, Canyon Creek Middle School
“Thousands of students come through Washougal School District performing arts programs.Students in performing arts are able to be a part of a show, learn to program a light board, gain self confidence, and more. Levy dollars make these important experiences available for all kids.” – Kelly Gregersen, drama teacher at Washougal High School
“School definitely wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t have after school clubs. I wouldn’t have the same self-confidence.” – Catherine Yung, Canyon Creek Middle School
“Soundstage after school club gives me the feeling like, ‘I did this.’ I’m proud of the radio play, the music video, and the Christmas caroling that I was involved in through Soundstage.” – Dresden Casper, Canyon Creek Middle School
“I got involved with Soundstage, an after school drama club, this year. Getting involved with after school activities teaches you to work with other people better and learn skills that are useful in the real world.” – Jenny Thurman, 8th grade student at Canyon Creek Middle School
“I would feel less productive without the arts and after school activities. It gives me something to look forward to in the school day.” – Pax Westbrook, student at Canyon Creek Middle School
Technology
The Capital Levy funds technology, including student and teacher tech devices.
“I use technology in my classroom every day. I create a PowerPoint for my daily lesson, and it helps me immensely to structure the day. Student technology devices are used for teacher-directed activities, like finding sources for a writing assignment.” – Moira Gray, 5th grade teacher at Cape Horn-Skye ElementaryMaintaining Current Small Class Sizes
24% of classroom teacher salaries at Washougal School District are funded by levies. If these levies do not pass, 40 teachers would be at risk of being cut. This would result in larger class sizes.
“Current class sizes allow me to build deeper relationships with each of my students and their families. Getting to know each of my students at this level allows me to build on their strengths and provide richer learning experiences for all.” – Ashley Lingo, second grade teacher at Columbia River Gorge Elementary School
