QVSD Replacement Education Programs and
Operation Levy February 9th Ballot
The Quillayute Valley School District Board of Directors unanimously approved a proposition to the voters of the District at a special election to be held on Feb. 9, 2021, for a replacement of the current Maintenance and Operation Levy which expires on Dec. 31, 2021. The Replacement Education Programs and Operation Levy (EP&O Levy) is proposed at the current collection rate with NO increase. The proposed current rate is at $714,304 and if approved, would be for a four-year period from 2022-2025.
“The $714,304 collection replacement rate maximizes our state match in the amount of $4,588,040. The addition of the matching funds brings in a total of $5,302,344 to support non-basic education programs and costs not funded by the state,” said Superintendent Diana Reaume.
The Educational Programs and Operation Levy (formerly M&O Levy) pays for routine maintenance items and minor repair items, as well as educational programs not funded by the state of Washington. For example, the levy funds the upkeep of facilities including but not limited to the following: roof repairs, upgrade of failing heating systems, replacement of outdated maintenance and kitchen equipment, transportation tools, and facility upgrades required for compliance. In addition, the levy supports unfunded programs such as: extra-curricular activities (including all costs associated with athletics, drama, art, music, field trips and cultural events), non-basic education personnel and staffing costs (such as early childhood & music), technology and instructional costs.
During a special board session, board members reviewed the costs associated with the current levy which expires at the end of the 2021. They expressed a desired to NOT increase the current collection rate of $714,304 and to maintain the level of collection through 2025. Chairman Bill Rohde commented, “It is extremely important to maintain a variety of student programs like music, drama, and extra-curricular activities in our schools to engage our students.”
This proposition would continue to support the District’s General Fund of non-basic educational programs, as well as maintenance and operation expenses:
The 2020 tax collection rate is $1.41 per $1,000 assessed value and will be approximately $1.28 per $1,000 in the 2021 collection year.
An EP&O Levy requires a simple majority vote of 50% plus one, unlike a Bond Levy (for the construction of new school facilities) which requires a majority vote of 60% plus one and validation of the last general election vote.
