Warden School District

Local Levies Make the Difference for Warden Students

Appearing on this coming February, 8 2022 election ballot will be the WSD Educational Programs & Operations Levy, along with the Capital Levy for Instructional Technology Improvements (ITI). Funding from sources like the EP&O and the Capital Levy for ITI are increasingly more important now that education continues shifting in response to challenges presented by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Funding from sources like the EP&O Levy and Capital Levy ITI help ensure that the Warden School District can adapt to a changing world and best prepare WSD students to meet life's challenges, both old and new.

Replacement Levy Facts & Information

The Warden School District is asking voters to consider a Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy and Capital Levy for Instructional Technology Improvements (ITI) February, 8 2022. The proposed two-year levies are not a new tax, but simply the continuation of existing voter-approved levies that expire in 2022.

What is a Levy?

A levy is a locally approved funding measure that bridges the gap between what the state funds and what it costs to run a school district. An easy way to remember what levies are used for is to remember "levies are for learning" and "bonds are for building".

Educational Programs & Operations Levy
The proposed levy replaces an existing levy approved by the Warden School District voters in November 2020. If approved by voters, the levy would provide up to $1,259,710 in 2023 and $1,322,696 in 2024. The replacement Educational Programs and Operation Levy represents approximately 5.72% of the Warden School District’s Operating Budget not including Local Effort Assistance (LEA) dollars, if the levy passes. An estimated $660,000 of LEA funding from the State of Washington WILL ONLY be available if this levy passes. The local levy sustains education programs and activities not funded by state and federal dollars. 
 

The Replacement Educational Programs & Operation Levy is a two-year levy that funds programs and services not funded by state or federal resources. The replacement levy will continue to be used to fund programs that the expiring Educational Programs and Operation Levy has traditionally supported:

• Athletics (Athletics are 100% funded by EP&O dollars)
• Non-Funded and under-funded staff
• Early Learning Programs
• Curriculum updates
• Nutrition Services
• Maintenance and Transportation services and improvements
• Utilities and Insurance

How will the Proposed Levy Affect Tax Rates?

The proposed two-year Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy keeps tax rates near $2.20 per $1,000, up from $2.00 per $1000 in 2022. Proposed rates and total collection amounts are as follows:

*EP&O projections assume 5% AV Growth, $2.20 tax rate.

While state law legally allows school districts to collect a higher rate per $1,000 of an assessed property value ($2.50), this may place undue hardship on the community. Warden School District asks voters to consider a replacement levy at a rate of only $2.20 per $1,000, balancing between minimizing the burden on local taxpayers and ensuring continued eligibility for Local Effort Assistance (LEA) funding. If the levy passes, Warden School District will be eligible to receive additional state levy equalization funds but only if the levy passes.

Capital Levy for Instructional Technology Improvements
This is also a replacement two-year levy supporting the continued modernization of school facilities by making certain instructional technology improvements (ITI). The proposed levy would provide up to $143,149 in 2023 and $150,306 in 2024 for the Capital Projects Fund intended to support district initiatives by:

1. Preparing students for college and career readiness through access to online learning, educational technologies, and high quality digital content; driving student achievement.
2. Creating a fully technology-proficient Pre-K - 12 educator workforce.
3. Providing equitable access to current and emerging technologies for all students and educators and expanding opportunities for parents, families, and the community.

The Replacement Capital Levy for Instructional Technology Improvements is a two-year levy that funds programs and services not funded by state or federal resources. The replacement levy will continue to be used to fund programs that the expiring levy has supported:

• 1:1 Student Device Initiative.
• Modernizing instructional technology equipment and infrastructure.
• Providing student and staff training.
• Supporting the application and implementation new technology.
• Replacing and/or upgrading computer hardware and software.
• Replacing and/or upgrading telecom systems.
• Other improvements to district technology equipment per the School Board.
   

How will the Proposed Levy Affect Tax Rates?

This proposed two-year Capital Projects Levy keeps tax rates near $0.20 per $1,000, down from $0.46 per $1000 in 2022. Proposed rates and total collection amounts are as follows:

*EP&O projections assume 5% AV Growth, $0.20 tax rate.

EP&O Levy, 2020

What is an EP&O Levy used for?

The proposed two-year Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy covers essential programs and services that the Warden community has come to expect like:

• Athletics (i.e., Football, Wrestling, Baseball, etc., 100% funded by EP&O)
• Technology 
• Non-Funded and under-funded Staff, Teachers, Counselors, Custodians, Administrators, Librarians, and even the School Nurse
• Security
• Food Services and Transportation
• Curriculum Updates
• Maintenance Services
• Utilities and Insurance
• Early Learning Programs
• Community Education
   

How will the Proposed Levy Affect Tax Rates?

The proposed two-year Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy keeps tax rates near $2.00 per $1,000, down from $2.90 per $1000 in 2018. Proposed rates and total collection amounts are as follows:

*EP&O projections assume 8% AV Growth, $2.00 tax rate

While state law legally allows school districts to collect a higher rate per $1,000 of an assessed property value ($2.50), this may place undue hardship on the community. Warden School District asks voters to consider a replacement levy at a rate of only $2.00 per $1,000, balancing between minimizing the burden on local taxpayers and ensuring continued eligibility for Local Effort Assistance (LEA) funding. If the levy passes, Warden School District will be eligible to receive additional state levy equalization funds, between $5 to $5.3 million, but only if the levy passes.

When is Election Day?

Election day is November 3, 2020. Ballots will arrive by mail on or about October 15 and must be dropped off in person or postmarked by November 3, 2020.

Are Tax Exemptions Available?

Yes! Low-income senior citizens and disabled adults may qualify for tax exemptions. Contact your local county assessor’s office for more information and to see if you qualify.

This purpose of this levy was to make safety, security and technology improvements (acquiring and installing security cameras, entry/access controls, door locks, other safety and security systems, student and teacher technology devices and other technology equipment and infrastructure). 

The Levy was passed during the April 23, 2019 Special Election.

The Levy commenced in 2019 for collection in the years 2020 through 2022 in the aggregate total amount of $659,508.

Currently 51% of Technology related items have been purchased:

• Teacher Surface Laptops
• Teacher Wireless Display Receivers
• Kindergarten iPads
• 1st Grade Student Laptops
• 2nd – 12th Grade Student Laptops
• Preschools and Special Education iPads
• Student Laptop Cabinets
   

Projects coming to completion:
Middle School and Administration Security Door Installation (Items remaining: Safety Glass Installation)

Upcoming projects:

• Video Surveillance Cameras Including Door Entrance Cameras
• Door Access Control and Hardware Upgrades
• Cafeteria Rear Entry Security Door Installation
• Security Window Film
• Campus Fencing