On Feb. 9, residents of the Northshore School District will be asked to consider three ballot measures to support student learning in our local public schools. If approved, it is projected that these three measures would maintain a level tax rate of $4.07 per $1,000 of assessed value for Northshore property owners over the next four years.
The first two measures are four-year renewals of existing levies set to expire at the end of 2010.
The Renewal Education Operations Support Levy would continue to provide approximately 20 percent of the district’s day-to-day operating budget through a maximum collection of $169 million over the next four years. This levy would support such things as smaller class sizes than state funding allows, new curriculum, professional development, programs for advanced and struggling learners, extra-curricular activities, safety, preventative maintenance and competitive salaries to attract and retain quality teachers and support staff. In recent years, this levy has become more critical to backfill inadequate funding from the state to support basic education services such as transportation and special education.
The Renewal School Technology Levy would maintain and enhance classroom technology to support student learning. Replacement of outdated computers and software, maintenance of a five-students to one-computer ratio and outfitting all classrooms with powerful instructional technology tools would be accomplished through this levy. In addition, teachers would receive ongoing training and support to integrate technology with classroom instruction. If approved, this levy would generate $24 million dollars ($6 million per year) over the next four years.
The $149.2 million Capital Projects Bond would continue the district’s long-range facility plan to maintain and protect our community’s investments in our schools and improve classroom learning spaces. In addition to replacing roofs and carpets, upgrading heating and ventilation systems and providing air quality and seismic improvements, the bond would also replace playfields and improve athletic facilities at schools and at Pop Keeney Stadium. Major modernizations projects would include the next phases of the Woodinville High and Kenmore Junior High renovations.
As the 11th largest school district in the state of Washington, Northshore prides itself on the consistently strong academic performance of our students and the generous support of our community. These three measures would enable our district to continue providing the excellent education needed to sustain a strong and vibrant community rightly viewed as a desirable place to live, work and raise a family.
I encourage you to visit our district Web site at www.nsd.org to learn more about these three measures. Likewise, I welcome the opportunity to receive your feedback or questions through e-mail at superintendent@nsd.org or by calling (425) 408-7701.
Larry Francois is the Northshore School District superintendent.
