Proposition 1 is not a new tax. Passing Proposition 1 is vital to VISD’s continued success.  This Levy comprises approximately 15% of our district’s projected annual operating budget for the 2023 to 2026 term.

By operating within its budget and fostering strong relationships with State auditors, VISD has proven itself an astute steward of public funding.  However, the pandemic requires we do more than ever before.  This Levy funds essential services like meals and technology support, Teacher Aids, Nurses, Social Workers, and Counselors.  Performing arts programs, AP courses, career training electives and extra-curricular activities are likewise included.

It is crucial we renew the EP&O Levy by Voting “Yes” on Proposition 1. The expiring Levy rate of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value renews.  State distribution is tied to VISD enrollment of approximately 1,450 students annually, providing $2,500 each student per the State’s “Levy Lid.” The EP&O levy supplements insufficient WA State basic education funding.
 

Vote “Yes” to avoid reductions in programming, painful faculty cuts, and reduced student services. We are grateful to the Vashon community for its historic support of our public schools and levies.  Your continued championship will allow VISD students to thrive.  Please vote “Yes” for Kids!

Submitted by: Rheagan Sparks, Donna Nespor, Zabette Macomber, (206) 790-2215

In 2018, the McCleary Decision was promised to be a levy swap. Instead, state school property taxes increased dramatically and local school taxes never went away and are again spiraling out of control.

For 2020-2021, for the district's administrators, the median total compensation was $147,464 with a high of $255,367. Median teacher compensation is at $122,474 up 38% in the last 3 years - multiple times inflation.

The argument that this levy is for a certain few duty types is disingenuous and heartless at best. The district complains that this levy fills the gap left from state legislators. The legislators are correct in saying no to the district. Local voters should do the same.

Nearly all districts try to just focus on how our property tax rates will remain nearly flat as if that has or will do us any favors. A flat tax rate multiplied by skyrocketing assessed property values equals skyrocketing taxes in dollars (paid for by property owners and renters in their rents). Please provide your input and vote. More details at, www.schooldataproject.com

Submitted by: Jeff Heckathorn, info@schooldataproject.com

VISD receives state funding as part of the Prototypical School Model. Unfortunately, the model is outdated and insufficient to meet actual costs.  Student need for supports has increased during the pandemic. VISD faces these realities when staffing counselors, nurses, school psychologists, and teachers. These are facts, not disingenuous or heartless claims. The McCleary decision was a step in the right direction, but our schools still rely on local levy dollars to breech the funding gap.

Submitted by: Rheagan Sparks, Donna Nespor, Zabette Macomber, (206) 790-2215

In 2019-2020, per pupil expenditures (including capital outlays and interest on debt) for the district were already at $18,428. That's above tuition and books at many universities let alone most private K-12 schools.

In 2018, because of the McCleary Decision, state legislators pumped billions more dollars into our public schools, largely from increased property taxes. There is no amount of money monopoly school districts will be satisfied with. Citizens are crying uncle. Enough!

Submitted by: Jeff Heckathorn, info@schooldataproject.com

Download the full text of the resolution

Simple majority (Wash. Const. art. VII, sec. 2(a))

For questions about this measure, contact: Jodi Burwell, (206) 463-8534, jburwell@vashonsd.org