School Board approves levies for February 2014 election

The Shoreline School Board has unanimously approved placing two replacement levies for voter approval on the Feb. 11, 2014 special election ballot. The District projects that these replacement levies will allow for continued stability of school tax collections for the next four years.

Proposition 1 is Replacement of an Expiring Levy for Educational Programs, Maintenance and Operations.

The Shoreline School District’s current four-year educational programs, maintenance and operations levy will expire at the end of 2014. This levy provides the District with approximately 26 percent of its General Fund operating revenue. 

The levy pays for the basic education programs not supported by state and federal funding, including nurses, family advocates, librarians and instructional materials. It helps support smaller class sizes, special education, highly capable, remedial and vocational education programs, building maintenance and utilities, and transportation.

Funds are also used to support extra-curricular student activities, including music, drama and athletics. 

Proposition 2 is Replacement of an Expiring Capital Levy for Technology Improvements and Support. 

A four-year Capital Levy for Technology Improvements and Support would be used to meet the District’s ongoing technology needs for capital improvements. This includes student computers and expanded online curriculum for classroom use, instructional specialists, equipment upgrade and replacement (including lab and library computers, printers, classroom audio-visual equipment), professional development and training, server and network replacements and upgrades, administrative software systems, online and subscription resources, along with virus and firewall protection.

The proposed levy amounts are unchanged from the expiring 2010 Capital Levy for Technology Improvements and Support.

The District may collect only up to the amount approved by voters regardless of changes to assessed valuation. The two levies require a simple majority for approval.