Clover Park School Board Approves $82.2 Million Levy For Ballot

An $82.2 million four-year replacement educational and operations levy for the Clover Park School District is headed to the ballot.

At its meeting this week, the School Board approved the levy to be voted upon by Lakewood residents at a Feb. 14 special election.

The resolution passed 4-0. Board member Paul Wagemann was absent.

The levy is a replacement for the one that expires at the end of June. 

“It will be a replacement levy,” Superintendent Debbie LeBeau said. “It is not a new tax.”

LeBeau said that the levy rate is estimated to be no more than $3.95 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

“This will go down as housing values increase, as they will someday,” she said, “as well the district taking several steps to ensure that the rate will decrease should housing values remain flat.”

Board member Marty Schafer said that he is hopeful that the County Assessor will accurately reflect housing prices, “But at the same time, we’re supposed to be looking at a time of inflation.” He said that is something he will emphasize to voters.

The resolution reads that “With projected cuts in funding from the State of Washington, enrollment pressures and existing contractual obligations, it appears certain that the funds which will be available for the General Fund for the four school years 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 will be insufficient...”

LeBeau said that 67 percent of the levy funds will be used to maintain current student/teacher ratios, purchase new textbooks, classroom instructional materials and library materials, provide student academic/career guidance and health-room assistance, support educational program improvements and offer extended after-school and summer learning opportunities.

“It is very closely tied to students,” she said.

Additionally, 12 percent will be used for school maintenance and operations, such as painting, roofing and flooring, grounds maintenance, and student transportation and food services.

Another 7 percent will be used for technology in schools, including replacing classroom computers and instructional software; and 1 percent will go toward safety and security including campus supervisors and fire alarms.

Board Vice President Carole Jacobs inquired whether CPSD officials knew of other districts “who will be going out with us.” LeBeau said that she knows of a few who plan to renew.

To expound on her comment, Jacobs said that she feels it is imperative to form a citizens committee as soon as possible so Lakewood residents “will know it’s a replacement and that we’re doing everything we can with what we’ve got.”

“We’re really on a high wave here, and I want to continue that,” she said.