Superintendent Diana Reaume told those attending the Jan. 8 Forks Chamber meeting that there will be an Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) renewal levy on the ballot for the Special Election on Feb. 11.
The proposed four-year levy renews an expiring levy and would begin in 2026. Reaume explained how levy dollars bring in millions of extra state funding and local timber dollars to Forks’ schools to pay for student programs, staff and operations not fully funded by the state.
“We are eligible for an estimated $20.5 million over the course of the four years in extra state funding through the Local Effort Assistance (LEA) funds. We will only receive those funds if the levy passes,” stated Reaume. The reason the school district is eligible to receive those funds is because it is considered a property poor district (based on tax base) in comparison to other state schools.
The proposed levy collection amount is $1.51 million yearly from 2026-29. This equates to an approximate $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value of property.
The passing of an EP&O levy is required for QVSD to also receive revenue from timber sales on DNR land through the junior taxing district. “If the levy does not pass, the revenue from our timber sales stays at the county level, and our schools also do not receive those dollars,” Reaume said.
The superintendent pointed out that the most recent two years of timber sales in the junior taxing district associated with our levy brought in $621,468 to the district. “The overall yearly package with a passing levy equates to approximately $7.5 million a year to our students, staff and facilities,” she said.
Reaume spoke about the importance of funding for student programs in Forks.
“The state considers athletic and enrichment activities as non-basic,” she stated. “The dollars brought in by the levy fund our athletic and extra-curricular programs at 100%, including field trips and enrichment activities. This includes coaching salaries, referees, transportation, uniforms and equipment.”
Reaume also pointed out that the district allows community organizations access to the school’s gyms without charge.
“Our gyms and facilities are used almost every night by our schools and community programs, such as Little League,, ” she said. “Most school districts charge outside entities for facility usage. Levy funds pay for our music, art and drama programs, which are extremely important to our students.”
The QVSD School Board adopted and has recently revised its 20-Year Facility Plan to ensure the district properly maintains its facilities. “We have much to be proud of in Forks, and league students and parents who visit our schools are very impressed,” Reaume said.
Reaume attributed the condition of the school district’s buildings to the board and maintenance/custodial staff. She stated that the board continues to prioritize maintenance projects and provide funding to complete minor repairs and building projects based on the 20-year plan.
“The state simply does not fully fund staff and/or building upkeep,” she said.
Reaume provided the audience with an example of how the current state formula funds 3.5 custodial staff to serve Forks’ 865 students, when the school facilities require eight custodial staff to fully operate.
Some of the projects not funded by the state and outlined in the renewal levy are: replacement of Forks Elementary roof and heating pumps; update of security cameras and phones in all schools; installation of new sound system in Spartan gym; resurfacing of Spartan Track: upgrade of stadium lights to LED; installation of new siding and wall pads in FES gym; purchase of kitchen equipment, a hydraulic lift for transportation, maintenance equipment, outdated technology and other upgrades.
Ballots will be mailed on Jan. 22 and are due by 8 p.m. on Feb. 11. Register to vote at the Clallam County Auditor’s website at: www.clallamcountywa.gov/. For more information, go to qvschools.org/2025levy
