Four community open houses are scheduled for families and the community to meet with Northshore School District leaders and ask questions about the upcoming school bond and levies election.
Three measures are on the February ballot: A renewal Educational Programs and Operations Levy (Prop. 1), a Capital Projects bond to address growth (Prop. 2) and a renewal Technology Levy (Prop. 3).
“In the past six years, Northshore School District has grown by 10 percent, or 2,000 new students and projections show that growth will continue,” said Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid in a press release. “For two years, parents, community members and district staff have worked together to develop a long-term plan to address this growth. Now we are asking voters to consider the funding necessary to keep pace with development and enrollment increases. I hope all of our families and community members will attend our open houses to learn more about how we are planning for growth.”
All open houses will be held from 7-8 p.m.
Jan. 25: North Creek High School Commons, 3613 191st Pl. S.E. in Bothell
Jan. 30: Woodinville High School Commons, 19819 136th Ave. N.E. in Woodinville
Jan. 31: Bothell High School Commons, 9130 N.E. 180th St. in Bothell
Feb. 1: Inglemoor High School Cafeteria, 15500 Simonds Rd. N.E. in Kenmore
About the bond and levies
Proposition 1: Renewal of Educational Programs & Operations Levy
This levy would replace the expiring Educational Programs & Operations Levy, which covers essential functions and basic education costs that are not covered by the state. This levy makes up 20 percent of the district budget. Special education, transportation, intervention programs, support for advanced learners and extra-curricular activities are all funded by this measure.
Proposition 2: Capital Projects Bond
This bond measure would allow the district to add much-needed capacity, easing overcrowding districtwide, while also addressing equity issues. With continuing growth, NSD expects to see 1,700 additional students in the next six years. This is in addition to the 2,000 new students added in the past six years. The bond provides for safety and security updates at all schools; a new K-5 school at a district-owned site near Maltby; a new 30-classroom flexible-use building on the Skyview Middle/Canyon Creek Elementary campus; and a performing arts and instruction building plus improved traffic flow and reduction in parking congestion at Inglemoor High School. Ongoing building repairs and additional outdoor instructional and athletics spaces would also be included among the projects funded by the bond.
Proposition 3: Renewal of Technology Levy
This levy would replace the expiring Technology Levy, which covers the costs related to the district goal of providing access to technology for every student, including assistive technology for students with special needs. Besides the cost of devices, this levy provides support such as teacher training, so students learn the importance of being safe online. This levy would help create responsible digital citizens who are ready to compete in the technology-based local economy. The renewal technology levy also includes improved communications between the district and families.
More information on the bond and levies is available on the district website at www.nsd.org/bondlevies.
