For Immediate Release
Contact:
Dr. Sean McGeeney
Superintendent
509.493.1500
Sean.mcgeeney@whitsalmonschools.org
WSVSD School Board Approves Renewal Levy Proposal for February 2023 Ballot
(Nov. 16, 2022) – White Salmon Valley School District’s board of directors approved a renewal educational programs and operations levy and a new capital levy to appear on the Feb. 14, 2023 special election ballot. The board voted unanimously on the resolution at their Nov. 15 regular board meeting. The current operations levy will expire on Dec. 31, 2023.
If passed by voters, the renewal levy for educational programs and operations (EP&O) would continue to provide funding for White Salmon schools for the next three years: 2024, 2025, and 2026. The new capital levy would also provide funding for the same three years.
The local levies are necessary to make up ongoing gaps in financial support for services and priorities essential to deliver on WSVSD’s commitment to ensure every student receives effective instruction in a physically and emotionally safe environment.
Local levy dollars make up about 17 percent of the district’s general fund budget. The EP&O levy dollars will continue help to pay for the many things necessary to make learning possible including classroom supplies, curriculum and equipment; teachers and support staff; professional development and training for staff; after school programing; music and fine arts programs; and all athletics and extracurricular programs in the district. The new capital levy
will provide funding for 1:1 technology and software that will be moved from EP&O funds, as well as building maintenance to preserve the district's historic buildings.
“We are committed to investing in every student so they receive a supportive and high quality education, remain safe, and are equipped with the skills necessary for success post-graduation. This community has provided tremendous support for our schools which in turn enables us to provide the additional resources and services required for healthy students and schools” said Superintendent Dr. Sean McGeeney. The district is requesting authorization of approximately $3.465 million for collection in 2024, $3.568 million in 2025, and $3.676 million in 2026 through the EP&O levy. The capital levy would authorize the collection of approximately $0.6 million in 2024, $0.99 million in 2025 and $1.2 million in 2026. Even with the new capital levy added, the tax rate to the voters will be lower overall than the current rate of $2.43 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The combined rates of the EP&O and the capital levies will be $2.40 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2024 and 2025, and $2.35 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2026.
More information can be found on the WSVSD website.