Levy = Learning
2010 Levy
Levy is for Learning
What does the levy cover?
The levy covers 19 percent of the district's budget. It pays for textbooks, computers, classroom teachers, teaching assistants, arts programs, athletics, transportation, special education programs, before and after-school tutoring and more.
How much does the levy cost taxpayers?
The levy will not exceed $3.18 per $1,000 of assessed property value - the same rate as passed by voters in 2006. It replaces - not adds to - the previous levy.
How does the levy help student learning?
State and federal governments provide only 80 to 85 percent of district money. The levy fills the gap. Bethel depends on local money to improve student learning. Since the last levy, district test scores have increased more than any other district its size.
How else has student achievement improved?
The number of students in Advanced Placement classes has gone up five-fold since 2002, the district won a national technology award in 2005, and students and staff earned the top arts awards in Pierce County in 2004 and 2005.
Does levy money buy textbooks?
The district has spent about $2.4 million on textbooks since 2003. New textbooks include math, English, and foreign languages. The district relies heavily on levy funds to buy textbooks. Math, social studies, and science textbooks are scheduled to be purchased with funds from the 2010 levy.
How does the levy help teachers improve?
Teacher training is an important part of levy funds. Bethel offers dozens of classes for teachers to improve their skills. Turnout is at an all-time high. Recently, the district's professional development program won a top award, recognizing it as one of the best in the state.
How is class size affected by the levy?
Keeping class sizes down is a priority. The district uses levy dollars to hire teachers and teacher aides. Without the levy, the district would be forced to cut classroom personnel - a move that would lead to larger classes and fewer program offerings.