The Edmonds School District will propose a construction bond and a technology levy for voters on the February 2003 ballot that, if approved, would increase property taxes by $1.05 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Both measures were on the February 2002 ballot but did not receive the needed 60 percent supermajority approval.
District officials said they feel confident in resubmitting the bond and levy to voters.
“With the economy the way it is, these will never be cheaper,” said Marla Miller, executive director of Business and Operation for the Edmonds School District.
“And it’s like after September 11, when things look really bleak, you really want to invest in the future.”
The construction bond would allow the district to build new Lynnwood and Scriber Lake alternative high schools and to address safety and security issues in all schools. If it passes, the $110 million bond would be paid for through an estimated tax of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value for the next 20 years.
The $18 million technology levy would allow the district to update the computer technology used in every classroom in the district. The levy, if approved, would be financed through a 55-cent tax per $1,000 of assessed property value that would be collected over the next three years.
According to the Edmonds School District, property owners paid a $4.52 tax per $1,000 of assessed property value to pay for local school bonds and levies in 2002.
If both measures are approved by voters, property owners in the Edmonds School District will pay an estimated $5.54 tax per $1,000 of assessed property value, Miller said.
The tax would begin in April 2004.
Officials said they feel a great need for the propositions to be on the ballot again this year. “The need hasn’t changed, except that we’re a year behind,” Miller said.
In a presentation to School Board members, Citizens Planning Committee member Ken Peterson said he sees a need for graduates to have modern computer technology in the classroom.
“I view this issue from an employment standpoint. I work with companies large and small and they’re all telling us the same thing – that we need competitive people,” Peterson said.
“We haven’t brought the use of technology into the everyday classroom and it should be as common as opening a textbook.”
Miller and district spokesperson Debbie Jakala said they feel the voters will understand the need for the levy and the bond.
“It’s like paying for roads and health care,” Miller said. “These are essential services.”
Jakala agreed.
“The answer is that this is a real need,” she said.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
