Frequently Asked Questions Snoqualmie Valley School District February 11, 2014 Replacement Levies

Frequently Asked Questions
Snoqualmie Valley School District
February 11, 2014 Replacement Levies
Educational Programs & Operations Levy and Technology Levy
Updated 11-15-13
What SVSD ballot measures have been proposed for the upcoming election?
The Snoqualmie Valley School Board has approved two four-year replacement levy propositions –
an Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O) and a Technology Levy – to appear on the
February 11, 2014 election ballot. These levy propositions would replace the current Maintenance
and Operations (M&O) and Technology levies which will expire in 2014. Approval of these levies
would cover program and technology needs for four more years: 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Is the February election mail-in only?
Yes. In King County, all elections are mail-in only. The deadline to register to vote in the February
election is January 13, 2014. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters on January 24, and signed
ballots must be postmarked on or before February 11, 2014 to be counted.
How can I register to vote?
If you are new to King County, you can register online at: http://www/kingcounty.gov/elections/.
To make an address change to your current King County registration, call the King County Elections
Office at 206-296-8683 (VOTE) or toll free 800-325-6165. For other changes, you must fill out a form
(available online) and mail it in. Registration forms must be postmarked 29 days prior to an election.
You can also register in person up to 8 days before an election at the King County Elections Office
(919 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057-2906).
Proposition 1: Educational Programs and Operations Levy
What would the Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy pay for?
This Educational Programs and Operations Levy, if approved, would replace the current M&O Levy
that was approved by voters in 2010. The levy would cover approximately 24% of the costs required
to operate our school district. Funding from this levy makes up the difference between what the
district receives from state and federal governments and the actual costs required to fund the
educational programs and day-to-day operations of SVSD schools. This levy provides for:
 Educational programs
 Extra teachers to reduce class size
 Student activity programs (music, drama, debate, sports, extracurricular)
 Course offerings at Mount Si High School (Advanced Placement and 6th period classes)
 Safety and security enhancements
 School operations
 School support staff not funded by the state (educational assistants, custodians, cooks, school
nurses, music specialists, counselors, librarians, physical education specialists,
coaches/advisors, and others)
 Transportation
 Special education and remediation programs
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
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Utilities, supplies, classroom materials
Curriculum, textbooks, library resources
Professional training and planning time for our teachers
Locally-bargained compensation for certificated and classified staff
Is this EP&O levy a new tax?
No. The name has simply been changed from Maintenance and Operations (M&O) to Educational
Programs and Operations (EP&O) to more accurately represent its purpose. The proposed EP&O
Levy would renew funding that will expire in 2014.
Why does the district have to ask local voters to approve levies to cover approximately 24% of its
operating budget?
Many basic needs -- such as textbooks, transportation, technology, and staffing that is required to
operate our schools -- are not fully funded by Washington State. The Programs and Operations levies
have been needed to renew school district operating revenues for more than 30 years in our district
and state. In the Snoqualmie Valley School District, about 24% of day-to-day costs are covered by the
current M&O Levy. In addition, funding in our district falls behind most others in the amount of
revenues per pupil received from the state, based on demographic factors defined by the state’s
funding formula. Our district ranks 275th out of the 295 school districts in revenues per pupil (and
ranks lowest in funding per pupil among school districts in King County). Following several years of
significant budget cutbacks from the state, renewal of local funding support is needed to sustain
existing educational programs and opportunities for our students commensurate with neighboring
districts.
What is the cost of the proposed levy?
Voters authorize a fixed annual amount for collection in school levy elections. Approval of this fouryear replacement levy would authorize: $15,500,000 in 2015; $16,500,000 in 2016; $17,500,000 in
2017; and $18,500,000 in 2018.
Estimated tax rates (per $1000 of property valuation) would include: $2.70 in 2015, $2.79 in 2016,
$2.88 in 2017, and $2.95 in 2018. While tax rates can fluctuate each year, the total amount collected
will never exceed the amounts authorized by the voters. Below are some examples of current and
future estimated levy tax bills:
Home Value
$200,000
2014 Estimated Tax Bill
(current levy)
annual
monthly
$496
$41
2015 Estimated Tax Bill
(proposed levy)
annual
monthly
$540
$45
$350,000
$868
$72
$945
$79
$500,000
$1,240
$103
$1,350
$113
Estimated 2014 tax rate is $2.48/$1,000 assessed valuation (AV). The 2015 estimated tax rate is $2.70/$1000 AV.
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What does the current Levy cost?
Approved by voters in 2010, the estimated tax rate of $2.48 per $1,000 will apply in 2014. Although
voters authorized collection of up to $16,500,000 in 2014 with the current Maintenance and
Operations Levy, the actual amount that the district will collect is about $13,800,000. This is due to
the decline in property values, which limits the total amount to which the levy lid percentage is
applied. The amount not collected remains with taxpayers.
How was the amount determined for the proposed EP&O Levy?
The amount of an operations levy is limited by a “levy lid” that the state sets for each school district.
This levy lid restricts local school district levy amounts to a percentage of the state revenues they
receive. The state sets different lid limits for different districts, and some districts are
“grandfathered” at much higher rates. For example, the levy lid for the Snoqualmie Valley School
District is currently 28.83%, while Mercer Island has a levy lid of 37.67% and Bellevue has a 34.66%
levy lid. The proposed levy would authorize collection up to our levy lid.
Proposition 2: Technology Levy
What would the proposed Technology Levy pay for?
The Technology Levy would replace the current levy which expires in 2014. If approved, this fouryear replacement levy would provide $2,700,000 in each of the four years following the election:
2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. The Technology Levy would provide:
 Classroom technology resources—including mobile devices, multimedia presentation tools,
web resources—that help students engage in learning, research, collaborate, create and
share their work.
 Instructional training, equipment and materials to add more Science, Technology, Engineering
and Math (STEM) educational opportunities throughout our schools (such as Robotics, Intro
to Engineering, Project Lead the Way).
 On-going training for teachers on how to utilize classroom technologies, such as mobile
devices, to maximize student learning, communication and accountability.
 Support for technology infrastructure including replacement of older computers, printers,
phones and copiers.
 Enhanced communication tools, school safety and security, and data management systems to
improve operational efficiencies and empower teachers to use student assessment data
effectively to help individualize instruction.
Why do we need a replacement Technology Levy?
Our state does not include technology in it definition of “basic education” and provides no funding
for it. Consequently, ALL technology equipment, service support and training must come from funds
approved by local voters. The current Technology Levy will expire in 2014.
Thanks to previous technology levies, the district now has a technology infrastructure that has
become an integral part of interactive instructional methods and administrative operations
throughout the district. As technology continues to evolve and expectations continue to rise,
ongoing support is necessary – for technology equipment, support personnel, peripherals and
professional development. Passage of this levy would also help ensure our students’ access to
technology resources and STEM curricula to prepare students for 21 st Century careers -opportunities that are comparable to what neighboring districts are providing their students.
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How was the Technology Levy determined?
A Technology Advisory committee with 25 community and staff members met several times during
the past year to evaluate the district’s technology needs, study research and best practices, and
assess costs. The committee proposed a replacement Technology Levy to address the following key
goals:
 Increase student engagement and learning
 Maximize the effectiveness of teachers
 Provide timely access to data and information to assist in decision making and school
improvement plans
 Improve communications and technology dependent life/safety systems and programs
What is the cost of the proposed Technology Levy?
If approved, voters would authorize a fixed annual amount for local collection of $2,700,000 each
year for the next four years. Estimated tax rates (per $1000 of property valuation) are as follows:
$0.47 in 2015, $0.46 in 2016, $0.44 in 2017, and $0.43 in 2018. While tax rates can fluctuate each
year, the total amount collected would never exceed the amounts authorized by voters. Below are
some examples of current and future estimated Technology Levy tax bills:
Home Value
$200,000
2014 Estimated Tax Bill
(current levy)
annual
monthly
$88
$7
2015 Estimated Tax Bill
(proposed levy)
annual
monthly
$94
$8
$350,000
$154
$13
$165
$14
$500,000
$220
$18
$235
$20
Estimated 2014 tax rate is $0.44/$1,000 assessed valuation. The 2015 estimated tax rate is $0.47/$1,000 (AV).
What does the current Technology Levy cost?
Approved by voters in 2010, the current Technology Levy authorized up to $2,475,000 to be collected
each year. In 2014, the estimated tax rate of $0.44 per $1,000 assessed property value will apply in
order to levy this amount. The current Technology Levy will expire in 2014.
Is there a levy lid on Technology Levies?
There is no levy lid on technology levies in our state. Careful consideration was given to identifying a
per pupil technology investment that is comparable with neighboring districts.
How does our district’s investment in technology compare with neighboring school districts?
The Snoqualmie Valley School District spends less per student on technology than most of our
neighboring districts. The following table compares current technology investments (per pupil
spending) among neighboring districts.
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Current Technology Expenditures
Select school districts with existing capital levies, approved in 2010:
School District
Bellevue
Mercer Island*
2010-11 FTE
Enrollment
18,123
Annual
$13,000,000
Per Student
Tech Spending
$717
4,205
$2,450,000
$583
Lake Washington
24,330
$13,000,000
$534
Issaquah
17,297
$8,231,000
$476
Snoqualmie Valley
6,154
$2,475,000
$402
Tahoma
7,507
$2,700,000
$360
Riverview
3,111
$967,581
$311
Northshore
19,737
$6,000,000
$304
Renton*
14,429
$3,500,000
$243
*District that ran levies in previous year.
How does the proposed Technology Levy compare to other school districts planning to run a
Technology Levy in February?
Many of our neighboring districts are in the process of finalizing levy propositions that they also plan
to put before their voters in the February 2014 election. The following chart shares information
available to date (as of November), and compares “per pupil technology spending” that each district
would provide -- pending voter approval of their replacement levy.
Proposed Technology Expenditures, pending voter approval in 2014
Select school districts with likely amounts for technology levies, if approved in February2014:
School District
Bellevue
May 2013
FTE Enrollment
19,104
Proposed
2014 Annual
$26,000,000
Per Student
Tech Spending
$1,361
Lake Washington
25,037
$21,400,000
$855
Issaquah
18,422
$10,422,000
$567
Mercer Island*
4,359
$2,450,000
$562
Riverview
3,305
$1,600,000
$484
20,399
$9,250,000
$453
Snoqualmie Valley
6,350
$2,700,000
$425
Tahoma
7,733
$2,700,000
$349
Renton*
14,902
$3,500,000
$235
Northshore
*Districts that ran levies in previous year.
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How does Snoqualmie Valley’s school tax rate compare to the total school tax rates of other
districts?
Snoqualmie Valley School District’s total tax rate in 2013 is $4.28 per $1,000 assessed value.
This amount includes the following components:
Levy - $2.40
Bonds - $1.43
Capital (Tech Levy) - $0.45
Total SVSD 2013 Tax Rate - $4.28
The following chart compares 2013 School Tax rates (per $1,000 assessed property valuation) among
King County school districts.
King County 2013 School Tax Rates
Federal Way
Auburn
Tahoma
Kent
Enumclaw
Shoreline
Highline
Tukwila
Renton
Northshore
Riverview
Issaquah
Snoqualmie Valley
Vashon Island
Lake Washington
Bellevue
Mercer Island
Seattle
7.55
6.62
6.25
6.03
5.89
5.87
5.71
5.70
5.36
5.30
4.90
4.74
4.28
4.04
3.75
3.25
2.66
2.45
What happens if the levies do not pass?
If this replacement EP&O Levy proposition does not pass, another levy would be re-submitted to the
voters immediately. Ultimately, if the EP&O Levy does not pass, the District would need to cut 24% of
its spending to adjust to the loss of local revenue upon which it currently depends. Following several
years of budget reductions from the state, the loss of another 24% of revenues to operate our
schools day-to-day and compensate staff would require a magnitude of reductions that our district
has not yet experienced.
If the Technology Levy does not pass, our ability to provide learning opportunities for students that
are appropriate for society’s changing needs would be significantly diminished. Our district’s
investment in technology and training for students and staff would fall far behind neighboring school
districts. Our ability to attract, compensate and retain quality teachers may also be challenged.
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Educational Funding:
How are school districts funded?
In Washington State, funding for day-to-day operations of public schools comes from three main
sources: state, federal, and local taxpayers. Washington State has not redefined its funding model
for public education since 1977 and does not fully fund current educational programs and services.
Therefore, nearly all 295 school districts in Washington State must ask their local communities to
cover a significant portion of these basic needs by approving local levies. In our district, 24% of
operational costs are covered with the current M&O Levy, which expires in 2014. Funding from local
levies supports a variety of student programs and activities, school safety and security, instruction,
smaller class sizes, technology, transportation, plus staff salaries, benefits and training.
How is the Snoqualmie Valley School District funded?
Revenues that comprised the 2011-12 General operating budget included: 64% from the state, 4%
from federal funding, 24% from local levies and about 8% from other local non-tax sources
(donations, fees, grants, sales, etc.)
The state provides for about 64% of the Snoqualmie Valley School District’s General Fund,
based on a per pupil revenue formula that considers full-time enrolled students.
Unfortunately, due to a variety of funding constraints, the Snoqualmie Valley School District
receives significantly less revenues per pupil than other school districts. As mentioned
previously, Snoqualmie Valley schools rank 275th out of 295 districts in Washington, according
to the most recent data available from the state.
Local Maintenance and Operations (M & O) Levy revenue comprises about 24% of the
district’s overall operating budget. The levy amount, which requires voter approval every
four years, is based on a “levy lid” set by the state. Collection is based on property tax
assessments and the tax base in the district.
Local non-tax revenues account for about 8% of the General Fund budget, and include
donations, tuition-based preschool, full-day kindergarten, traffic safety, summer school and
pay-for-participation fees for extracurricular activities. [Note: School bonds provide local
revenues as well, but these pay for capital building projects, not day-to-day operating costs
paid through the General Fund budget.]
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The federal government also provides some funding for programs such as special education,
vocational education, English Language Learners, Head Start, Title 1, free and reduced lunch
programs, and some mathematics and science enrichment. All together, federal
contributions add up to about 4% of the district’s total revenues.
What’s the difference between a bond and a levy?
Bonds provide long-term financing (typically 20 years) for capital projects such as the construction of
schools, acquisition of land, and purchase of equipment or modular buildings. Bond funds cannot be
utilized to pay for day-to-day operating costs required to run schools. Bonds require a supermajority
(60% voter approval) to pass.
Levies are more short-term in nature (typically one to six years) and are intended to cover ongoing
day-to-day operations of the district. Because state and federal revenues do not fully fund public
education, the district must ask local taxpayers to pass levies every four years to “fill the gap” in
funding, in order to provide basic programming needs for students. Levies require a simple majority
(50% voter approval) to pass. There are a few different types of levies our district has used:
1. Educational Programs and Operations Levies (also called Maintenance and Operations)
provide funding for day-to-day operations and programming for students. This levy funds
about 24% of the Snoqualmie Valley School District’s annual operating budget and requires
renewal from local district voters every four years.
2. Technology Levies pay for technology systems, such as: computers, printers, mobile devices,
other peripherals, software, information resources, tech support personnel and training to
use the technology. It also supports curriculum and supplies for expanding learning
opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
3. Transportation Levies provide funding for the purchase of new school buses. (Note: There is
no SVSD Transportation Levy planned for 2014.)
What is the history for passing levies in our school district?
Our district must run levy elections every four years to sustain education programs, services and
resources needed to day-to-day educational programs and operations (EP&O), technology and
sometimes transportation (when buses must be added or replaced). Voters in the Snoqualmie Valley
have a strong history of passing levies, every four years. Most recently, levies passed voter approval
in 2010. The proposed levies would renew funding of those levies, when they expire in 2014.
Are any other school measures being considered in our district?
Yes. The School Board has been working over the past two years to develop a plan to expand school
district facilities to meet the needs of our growing student enrollment. After months of in-depth
reports and discussion, they are working to finalize details on a potential school bond proposition
that they are considering for a future election date, possibly this spring. More information will be
forthcoming soon as the Board works to define a preliminary proposition to vet with the public and
staff in upcoming meetings.
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