Please support the school levy

To The Eagle:

The Naselle-Grays River Valley School District Board of Directors recently authorized the placement of a three-year Educational Programs Levy on the Feb. 13 ballot.

This levy, which is a renewal of the existing tax, asks voters for a collection of $651,000 per year at an approximate rate of $1.27 per $1,000 of assessed valuation to help fund existing school programs and district operations. The current levy expires at the end of 2024. The renewal levy, if approved, would be collected in 2025-2027. This levy rate represents the lowest rate in many years.

Naselle-Grays River has had a long history of support from its voters for school levies, enabling us to bring a quality education to our students. Since the early 1960s, our voters have continuously supported our students by passing program levies.

As superintendent and a Naselle High graduate, I am very proud of this tradition and grateful to be a part of the educational family at Naselle-Grays River Valley. We greatly value the support of our community.

Ninety-six percent of school districts in Washington run levies to help close the gap between what the districts receive in state and federal revenues, and what schools actually need to run their programs.

In the world of school finance, the terms levy and bond are frequently overused and often interchanged. The upcoming vote is for a replacement “levy” to help operate and fund existing programs. It is not a building bond. Conceptually, one should think in terms of “Levies are for Learning” and “Bonds are for Buildings.”

In this time of economic challenge, a ‘yes’ vote is of major significance and a tremendous sign of the value that you place in our children’s future. Your support of the upcoming levy will allow us to continue to provide the best education and programs that we can.

On behalf of the students and staff, thank you for your support and commitment to our school district. Please join me by casting your ‘yes’ vote.

Lisa Nelson

Naselle-Grays River Valley