Information submitted by Lake Chelan School District
CHELAN - On Tuesday, November 23, the Lake Chelan School District Board of Directors unanimously approved placing a renewal Educational Program and Operations Levy (EP&O) on the February 8, 2022 ballot. The current EP&O Levy (formerly known as the Maintenance and Operations Levy – M&O) was approved in 2019 and is set to expire in 2022. The renewal of the two-year EP&O levy would not result in a new tax; it would be in replacement of the current expiring levy. The renewal levy will continue to bridge the gap between what the state funds as basic education and the cost of all programs, services, and essential staff the Lake Chelan School District provides for its students.
“The Board was very intentional in their decision to run a levy that would allow us to continue providing programs and services for our students without asking our community for increased financial support”, commented Barry DePaoli, LCSD Superintendent. “The programs and services we currently offer our students are not fully funded by the state. We rely on local levy dollars to bridge that gap. We are extremely grateful that our community is willing to provide that support for our students. The current EP&O Levy makes up about 16% of our budget for education programs, services, and daily operations.”
This replacement levy will continue the necessary local support at a significantly lower tax rate due to increases in property assessment. The EP&O Levy funds ensure that our District’s quality educational programs continue in safe, well maintained, and clean schools. Lake Chelan School District’s EP&O levy funding maintains current service levels and either fully or partially supports the following essential programs and operations:
• Student Support: Nurses / Resource Officer / Family Liaisons / Counselors
• Academic Programs & Classroom Support: Early Learning and College in the High Schools Courses, Curriculum Materials, STEAM Learning Initiatives, Highly Capable and Career & Technology Education Programs, Chelan School of Innovation, and intervention programs.
• Enrichment Activities and Programs: Athletics, Afters Program at the elementary and middle school, High School Clubs, and programs in music, art, and drama.
• Opportunities: High school schedule that creates opportunities for acceleration, exploration, and remediation
• Maintenance & Operations: Funding for custodial, transportation, and food service staffing; building maintenance and grounds; and necessary equipment and supplies
The proposed EP&O Levy is for two years, 2023 and 2024. As of November 2021, Chelan taxpayers are currently paying a tax rate of $1.20 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The proposed tax rates for the replacement levy for 2023 and 2024 are 0.98 cents per $1000. Tax rates are determined by property values assessed by Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan Counties.
Unlike bond measures which are earmarked primarily for new construction, levies support learning, resources, maintenance, and operations. Simply put, levies are for learning and bonds are for building. Levies require a 50% simple majority to pass, while bonds require a 60% super majority. Like a subscription, levies must be renewed.
For additional information please visit the Lake Chelan School District website at www.chelanschoools.org. or contact the school district administrative office at 509-682-3515. The District will be mailing a comprehensive informational flyer to all voters early in January.
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