Arlington and Lakewood School Districts Upcoming Bond and Levy Measures
We were joined by various representatives of the Arlington and Lakewood School Districts to discuss the upcoming levies and bonds scheduled to be on the ballots February 13, 2024. Below is a brief recap of the discussion, as well as a few links to help find more information about the upcoming push to help our schools and students.
The Arlington School District presentation highlighted three critical propositions:
1. Prop 1 - Levy: This proposal accounts for 11% of the current budget and is intended to replace an expiring levy. It includes a lump sum levy to support various initiatives, such as funding for student support teams, smaller class sizes, teachers, para-educators, counselors, nurses, custodians, food service, school resource officer, technology, instructional materials.
2. Prop 2 - Capital Levy Renewal: This proposition, amounting to $26.3 million, spans four years and targets a new roof for the high school. The proposal emphasizes maintenance projects, technology infrastructure improvements, and facility enhancements. Extends the life of school buildings by funding maintenance projects such as roof repairs, windows, plumbing and water heater maintenance. Continues funding for technology infrastructure improvements in our schools Provides funding for facility improvements across the district. Roof replacements, building exterior painting, floor and wall covering, floor and wall covering replacements, and parking and drive lane paving. This levy is not a new tax, it replaces an expiring levy that was approved by our community in 2020.
3. Prop 3 - Middle School Bond: This bond aims to replace Post Middle School due to security issues with the facility and outdated systems within the facility. It costs $95 million and includes building a new Post Middle School, updating the campus, and improving traffic safety. This bond would fund a new Post Middle School to prepare the Post, Eagle Creek Elementary and Stillaguamish Valley Learning Center campus for the future.
Post Middle School is past its usable lifetime. If systems or components were to break, it would result in a disruption of student learning. Rebuilding Post is more affordable and less disruptive than renovating. A new Post will offer students new learning spaces that are ready for now and in the future that support Career and Technical Education (CTE), woodshop, and robotics, a safe and secure campus with interior hallways Energy efficient building which reduces operating costs, updated athletics field and track that also support community youth sports and improve traffic safety at the Post/Eagle Creek/SVLC/ECEAP campus.
Similarly, the Lakewood School District's presentation focused on the Renewal Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O) and the Capital Improvements and Safety Levy.
1. EP&O Levy Renewal: This levy, representing about 14% of the district's operating budget, supports teaching, support staff, technology, athletics, activities, and professional development. It aims to fill the gap when state funding falls short and provide essential resources for student success. Helps provide smaller class sizes. Provides technology support to staff to procure, maintain and troubleshoot district computers and other technology. The district is exploring the possibility of hiring a School Resource Officer in partnership with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office. Maintains current levels of support for counselors, psychologists, nurses and mental health services.
Funds technology such as student Chromebooks, document cameras in classrooms, “Boxlight” interactive classroom panels, and operating software. Funds maintenance and repair of current devises. Allows access to digital curriculum and supplemental resources. Maintains access to state-mandated standardized testing and STAR math and reading assessments. Preventative maintenance and repair of facilities. Volunteer Management System. Outreach to families and community. Curricular resources, instructional materials, and student supplies. Utility, insurance and operations costs beyond state funding.
2. Capital Improvements and Safety Levy: This levy targets facility needs not funded by the state, concentrating on maintenance, preservation, safety, and security improvements. The Citizens' Facilities Advisory Committee provided short-term recommendations, emphasizing maintenance and safety across the district.
The presentation concluded with information on voter registration and the importance of participating in the upcoming vote by February 13, 2024. You can use this link to make a contribution to the fund raising committee that bond co-chair John Meno is responsible for.
https://secure.anedot.com/citizens-committee-for-arlington-public-schools/donate Use this link to see different ways that you can volunteer to help in the area that co-chair Kimberly Meno is responsible for. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054BACAA2FA7FE3-45554291-yesfor/58605453#/
Both districts highlighted the importance of community support in ensuring the continued success and improvement of their educational programs and facilities.
