Related Links
Printable Levy Brochure (pdf)
Levy Quick Facts
Levy Uses
Estimated Tax Amounts
Community Survey Results
Official Technology Ballot Language (pdf)
Official Maintenance & Operations Ballot Language (pdf)
Questions & Answers about the levy (pdf)
Levy and Bond History 1998-2010 (pdf)
Register to Vote
Levy and Bond Information
The Washougal School District Board of Directors presented two replacement levies on the Feb. 9, 2010 ballot:
These are four-year levies: 2011; 2012; 2013; 2014
These are not new taxes—they replace the Maintenance & Operations Levy and the Technology Levy expiring in 2010
The approved amount remains the same for all four years of the levy collection (see Cost to taxpayers chart below)
By state law, the levy amount approved by voters cannot be increased; the Assessor's Office cannot collect more than the amount approved by voters M & O Levy dollars fill the gap between state funding and the actual costs of operating our schools
The total dollar amount of the proposed levies on the February 9, 2010 ballot is $33,296 less than the amount that was approved by voters for collection in 2010 In districts where voters approve an M & O Levy, the state allocates Levy Equalization funds, about $280,000 per year for Washougal School District
Due to the current economic climate, it is difficult for school districts to determine an average levy rate; the estimated tax bills and rates shown on the charts are based on the most recent projected assessed valuation of all properties in the Washougal School District
Maintenance & Operations Levy Uses
Current M & O Levy dollars are used to fully fund or supplement state funds for the following programs, materials and services:
SPORTS PROGRAMS—Coaches, athletic program transportation, referees and tournaments DRAMA PRODUCTIONS—Drama and music productions such as plays and concerts, before school music programs such as jazz band and the band program for fifth graders
TEXTBOOKS—Textbooks and instructional materials at all grade levels, library books, magazines and newspapers used by students
SCHOOL SAFETY—Washougal High School Resource Officer, security personnel/supervision at Washougal High School during school hours and during after school sports events, district security system, the automated parent notification system and drug and alcohol intervention program
STUDENT HEALTH—Nurses, health screenings, and maintenance of student health records
STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAMS—Highly capable program, English Language Learning program, the student information system, and additional costs for breakfast and lunch programs
SPECIAL EDUCATION—Paraprofessional help for special needs children, adaptive equipment needed for children with special needs, textbooks and materials for special education programs
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT—Workshops, inservice days, and related training for teachers, principals and board members
TRANSPORTATION—Costs associated with transporting students to and from school including staff, bus maintenance and fuel costs
UTILITIES—Electricity, phone services, waste disposal, and costs related to heating and cooling of facilities including natural gas and oil
COMMUNITY EDUCATION—Coordination, publications and supervision of community-based programs including classes, sports activities, preschool and SPACE childcare program
FACILITY AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE—Costs associated with custodial services and maintenance of all facilities, fields and grounds
Current Technology Levy dollars are used to fund computers for student use, classroom instructional technology and the District’s technology :
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY—Computers in classrooms and computer labs, teacher instructional technology including document cameras, projectors and audio equipment in elementary classrooms
NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE—Switches and cabling that connect school computers to the District's network, the purchase and installation of servers, and matching funds for a fiber optic cable grant that will connect all schools to internet services
Estimated Tax and Proposed Levy Amounts
Estimated tax bills for 2011-12 for proposed levies |
|||
Property Value |
Estimated Tax Bill for M & O Levy ($2.58/1,000) |
Estimated Tax Bill for Tech Levy ($.13/1,000) |
Estimated Tax Bill for Both Levies |
$100,000 |
$258.00 |
$13.00 |
$271.00 |
$150,000 |
$387.00 |
$19.50 |
$406.50 |
$200,000 |
$516.00 |
$26.00 |
$542.00 |
$250,000 |
$645.00 |
$32.50 |
$677.50 |
$300,000 |
$774.00 |
$39.00 |
$813.00 |
$350,000 |
$903.00 |
$45.50 |
$948.50 |
$400,000 |
$1,032.00 |
$52.00 |
$1,084.00 |
$450,000 |
$1,161.00 |
$58.50 |
$1,219.50 |
$500,000 |
$1,290.00 |
$65.00 |
$1,355.00 |
$550,000 |
$1,419.00 |
$71.50 |
$1,490.50 |
Proposed levy amounts and rates |
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Maintenance and Operations Levy |
Technology Levy |
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Year |
Amount |
Estimated Rate per $1000 Assessed Value |
Amount |
Estimated Rate per $1000 Assessed Value |
2011 |
$5,092,212 |
$2.58 |
$250,000 |
$0.13 |
2012 |
$5,092,212 |
$2.58 |
$250,000 |
$0.13 |
2013 |
$5,092,212 |
$2.58 |
$250,000 |
$0.13 |
2014 |
$5,092,212 |
$2.58 |
$250,000 |
$0.13 |
The Washougal School District contracted with a research firm to conduct a community survey in October 2009. The results of the survey provided excellent information for future planning and improvements in communication with patrons. For example, one of the key questions asked residents to "grade" the performance of the district, and the good news was that 69% of parents surveyed gave the district a grade of A or B. The highest marks were given for school safety, where 77% of all residents said that the district provides a safe environment for students. Compared to results on the same survey around the state and in other Clark County districts, Washougal residents gave their district the highest rating for informing the community about what is happening in schools. Results showed that support is strong throughout the community for technology to improve student learning. There is also overwhelming support for maintaining student programs and retaining quality teachers and support staff. The Washougal community appreciates a strong academic program, as well as opportunities for students to participate in drama, music, sports and other extracurricular activities.
The survey also highlighted areas for improvement. For example, about 40% said the district needs to involve the community more in making major decisions. As a follow-up to the survey, the District will involve community members in budget planning and is currently seeking applications from community members who will serve on the Community Budget Task Force in 2010. For those who are interested in applying to be on the Budget Task Force, information is available on the district website (www.washougal.k12.wa.us) or by calling the superintendent's office at 954-3005.
The greatest surprise in the survey was that about half of those surveyed felt that improvement should be made in the district's money management. This was surprising because Washougal School District has a 6% unreserved ending fund balance, an amount recommended by the state for sufficient cash flow, the payment of payroll, the purchase of goods and services, and preferred bond rating. The district's clean state audit report last spring also underscored the excellent management of public funds. Washougal school employees and supply vendors never need to worry about being paid on time. The Washougal Board of Directors has a long-standing record of sound fiscal management and budget decision-making, a factor which has strengthened the school system. During difficult economic times, a balanced budget is another indicator of a quality school district, an indicator that ranks among student achievement and preparation for college and work, highly qualified staff and well-maintained facilities as a measure of Washougal District success.