Frequently Asked Questions
What is in the School Programs & Operations Levy?
The School Programs and Operations Levy is a major source of funding for Bethel Public Schools. It is a Local Tax that covers at least 19% of the districts day-to-day operations.
Why is the Levy so important?
The Levy makes up nearly one-fifth of the districts total operating budget. These funds are used to support student programs, activities, and services, such as teachers, textbooks, and transportation. Levy dollars help keep class sizes low and provide first-rate learning opportunities for students.
Is this a new tax?
The School Programs and Operations Levy is NOT a new tax. It is a renewal of local funding for schools. The estimated maximum tax rate is $3.18 for $1000 of assessed valuations, which is the same rate approved by voters in 2006.
What is the school board proposing?
Last Fall, the Bethel School Board unanimously passed a resolulution calling for an extension of the School Programs & Operations Levy. If passed, the levy would authorize the district to collect the following amounts over the next four years:
- $29.9 million in 2011
- $30.5 million in 2012
- $31.1 million in 2013
- $31.7 million in 2014
What does the Levy pay for:
- Teachers, textbooks and classroom support
- Transportation (including activity busses)
- Extracurricular activities (music, sports, drama, etc.)
- Security and campus safety
- School nurses, librarians and counselors
- Technology, computers, and custodial services
- Grounds, maintenance, and custodial Servies
- Utilities and insurance...and more!
Your opponents say Bethel Schools have excess money. Is that true?
No. Bethel Schools are currently in the bottom 20%, when it comes to per-pupil spending. The district actually ranks 239th out of the 295 school districts in the state. Further cuts or an elimination of the levy would devistate learning opportunities for kids.
What happesn if the Levy fails?
If voters do not renew the Levy, the district will lose about $30 million in funding each year. The School Board will have to drastically cut essential programs, services and staff to make up for the shortfall, putting our children at risk.
Does the Levy support student achievement
Levy Dollars play a critical role in helping all students achieve in Bethel. Money from the Levy helps pay for new curriculum, quality teachers and lower class sizes. Today, standards for our students and staff are higher than ever before. Our schools have made dramatic progress over the last ten years. Levy dollars are the best way to keep our students' learning on the right track.
How are Bethel Schools funded?
Similar to other school districts, Bethel has a variety of funding sources. Most funding comes from the state and federal governments. Over the past several years the state has repeatedly scaled back on its share, making local tax dollars even more important.
I've heard rumors the district is planning to cut staff and programs for next year. Is this true?
The state's forcasted $2 billion shortfall will likely impact K-12 education. Because this information is very preliminary, the district has not made any cuts to next year's budget. Budget reductions will be made if the levy fails or if cuts are made at the state level.
Do Levy dollars pay for the Pierce County Skill Center
No. The Pierce County Skill Center is a joint project between Bethel and nine other school districts. Because this is a public high school, all of its funding will come from the state.
Did the district's budget increase last year?
No. Federal stimulus dollars helped preserve many district programs and services this past year. Even still the district budgeted $164.2 milling in expenditures for 2009-10, which is actually $1 million less than the previous school year.