Ballots are in the mail for Shoreline Schools replacement levies

Voters in the Shoreline School District face two ballot measures, one a renewal of the District's maintenance-and-operations levy, the other a renewal of the district’s technology levy.

Ballots are being mailed to registered voters Wednesday Jan. 22 for two school levies. Ballots must be returned by 8pm Election Day, Feb. 11 or mailed with a postmark on or before Feb. 11. Voters can also leave their ballots starting Thursday at 24-hour drop boxes next to Lake Forest Park City Hall.

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 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 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.