N/GRVSD superintendent explains levy request

To The Eagle:

The Naselle-Grays River Valley School District Board of Directors recently authorized the placement of a three year maintenance and operations levy on the February 13 ballot. This is a replacement of the existing levy at just under half the rate that taxpayers are currently paying. The rate for the proposed levy is $1.50 per $1,000 dollars of assessed valuation, or $150 per year for a $100,000 home. The current school levy expires in December 2018. The replacement levy, if passed, will be collected in calendar years 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Local levies provide support for extracurricular and enrichment opportunities, including travel to and from activities and events, stipends for coaches and advisors, as well as additional subject offerings like advanced math and science, online learning, foreign language and vocational programs. In short, the levy provides funding for all class subjects and activities outside of the minimum basic requirements necessary to earn a diploma. Across the state of Washington, 96 percent of school districts run maintenance and operations levies to help close the gap that exists between what is received in state and federal funding and what is actually needed to maintain programs and facilities for students.

Naselle-Grays River has appreciated a long history of support from its voters for school levies, allowing us to deliver a quality education to our students. Since 1965, the district has had a levy in place. As superintendent of the district and a graduate of Naselle High School, I am very proud of this tradition of support and grateful to be part of this educational family.

In an effort to respond to some common misconceptions, in which levies are sometimes confused with bonds, the best way to clarify the difference is to understand that levies are for learning and bonds are for buildings. The district’s proposed tax is a levy to continue programs for students and maintain our existing buildings. This is not a request for new buildings or infrastructure. While the levy does create an expense for the taxpayer, the district has worked hard to keep this tax to a minimum and avoid excessive maintenance costs in the future.

Ballots will be arriving in local mailboxes on or about January 26. This is a mail in ballot only. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (360) 484-7121 ext. 3.

Lisa Nelson, Superintendent

Naselle-Grays River Valley School District