Members of the Edmonds School District are hoping the third time really is the charm.
The May 18 special election will mark the third time in three years the district has put similar requests – this year, it’s a $44 million levy – before voters.
The needs have not lessened in the past three years, officials said. Upgraded computer technology for students and staff, shoring up older buildings to make them earthquake safe, improving sports fields and playgrounds and getting started on planning for two new high schools top the list and will be funded by the levy.
“We’re limping so badly now, there’s anxiety about how to make things work,” said Marla Miller, director of finance and operations for the district.
The most significant difference between this year’s measure and what was proposed in 2002 and 2003 is it does not include a $110 million construction bond.
District officials are hoping that will make the difference between the levy failing a third time and finally earning the necessary 60 percent voter approval.
“It’s immediate accountability – it will expire in four years and won’t collect interest from taxpayers in the way a bond does,” Miller said. “It’s the difference between putting it on a credit card and using your debit card.”
The change could mean getting the few extra votes they needed in the past. In 2002, the $18 million technology levy and $110 million bond barely missed the supermajority mark at just over 56 percent approval. Officials said they felt it was the struggling economy that kept it from approval both years.
However, the change comes at a cost.
The 2002 and 2003 proposals included funding for construction of new Lynnwood and Scriber Lake high schools. This year’s proposal includes funding only for initial planning for the new buildings, in addition to pared-down funding for classroom software and hardware, technology training and materials.
Madeline Herzog, co-president of Citizens for Schools and a Lynnwood High graduate, said she would like to see her three children, now in elementary and middle school, attend a new Lynnwood High School.
“I’m anxious for their safety,” Herzog said, referring to the crumbling cement stairways and outdated earthquake safety equipment.
Still, Herzog remains positive.
“I am very confident that it will pass,” Herzog said.
“I’d hate to be the voter who chooses to vote no when it’s about life safety. I don’t know how they’d sleep at night knowing that they denied children safety.”
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