Where the Money Goes

So, what stuff is supported by the levy? On what will money be spent?

The levy covers a lot of basic necessities for our schools.

 

What does this chart mean?

This chart explains how much money will be collected on the levy over the next four years. As you can see, the assessment amount doesn't change. Lots of people will be moving into the area, so the total amount of money going to the district increases each year, even though people's taxes do not. If the total amount is collected early, then the collection stops because the district can only collect the amount that's set, not one penny more. That's a pretty good deal when you think about it!


EDUCATIONAL MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS LEVY
The Board of Directors adopted a resolution concerning educational funding. This proposition authorizes the district to levy the following additional taxes, in place of an expiring Levy, on all taxable property within the district, to support the district's educational maintenance and operations.

Collection Years Approximate Levy Rates/$1,000 Assessed Value* Levy Amount
2011 $3.18 $22,480,000
2012 $3.18 $23,600,000
2013 $3.18 $24,780,000
2014 $3.18 $26,000,000

 

Exactly on what will levy money be spent--can you be specific?

  • TEXTBOOKS AND OTHER TEACHING MATERIALS - Levy funds provide for continued replacement of textbooks, instructional materials, supplies, and equipment that provide effective instruction.
  • SECURITY - The cost of security officers and equipment is funded by the special levy. The district pays for two Pierce County Sheriff Deputies, too. These security and police staff are all paid for with levy dollars. Without levy dollars, these programs are in serious jeopardy. We want our kids safe!
  • SPECIAL ED AND HIGHLY CAPABLE - The levy makes up the differece in the cost of gifted education and special education programs versus state appropriations. The state gives some money, but not enough. Levy dollars make up the difference.
  • MAINTENANCE - The levy is utilized to support maintenance and operations of our facilities, buildings, and grounds. We want our buildings to be presentable and functional. We also want our facilities to be available to the public. This costs a lot of money, and levy dollars make it possible.
  • ATHLETICS, MUSIC AND ACTIVITIES - Levy funds are the source of support for these groups. Without the levy, many are cut from schools. It is no secret how important these programs are to the well-being, education, and growth of children. Any adult who participated in these endeavors can tell you that the lessons, skills, and insights are invaluable throughout life.
  • INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY - Strengthening the opportunities for student access and learning is funded by the levy. We're not asking for a zillion computers in every school, but we do know our students need instructional technology to be prepared for college, the work force, and the military. Levy dollars support these goals.
  • STAFF TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT - Levy funds offer staff training in instructional, interpersonal, and technical aspects of school. A well-trained staff prepares our students for WASL, college-entrance exams, and military assessments. If we want our students to do well, our staff needs to be well-trained and up to date on the most positive, proven strategies for helping kids learn. Levy dollars pays for this training.
  • NEW SCHOOLS--WHAT GOES INSIDE - When we open our new schools, we want them filled with the equipment, tools, books, and supplies needed for students to have the best opportunities possible.

 

What about transportation?

The state reimburses a school district for very little of what it costs to run buses. Levy dollars pay for a big chunk of transportation costs in our district. Bethel School District has used levy dollars to pay for transportation because without sidewalks and well-lit streets, it's not as safe to walk as it is to ride the bus. If the levy passes, taxpayers will see transportation continue at its current levels.

 

What about Sports?

The state does not give any money to pay for sports programs in the public schools. These programs are fully funded with levy dollars. If the levy passes, sports will remain a strong component of education and our schools.

 

How was levy money used in the past?

The levy money during the last school year was spent on maintenance, campus security postitions and equipment, student testing, staff training, athletic and co-curricular actiities, Highly Capable programs, special education, transportation, summer school, crossing guards, textbooks, instructional materials, and instructional technology.