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Auburn School District No. 408

Proposition No. 1
Technology Capital Projects Levy

The Board of Directors of Auburn School District No. 408 adopted Resolution No. 1187 concerning technology levies.  This proposition authorizes acquiring technology and equipment, including computers and training; and authorizes the following excess levies for such purposes on all taxable property within the District:

 

Collection
Years

Approximate
Levy Rate/$1,000
Assessed Value

Levy
Amount

2015

$0.42

$3,670,000

2016

$0.41

$3,670,000

2017

$0.40

$3,665,000

2018

$0.39

$3,665,000

2019

$0.38

$3,665,000

2020

$0.37

$3,665,000

 

all as provided in Resolution No. 1187.  Should this proposition be approved?

Yes

No


Passage of Proposition No. 1 would allow the levy of $3,670,000 in property taxes within Auburn School District No. 408 for collection in 2015, the levy of $3,670,000 for collection in 2016, the levy of $3,665,000 for collection in 2017, the levy of $3,665,000 for collection in 2018, the levy of $3,665,000 for collection in 2019 and the levy of $3,665,000 for collection in 2020, to replace an expiring levy and enable the district to pay for construction, renovation, improvements and expansion of new and existing facilities, for technology improvements, and equipment and training to meet the current and future educational programs for its students, such levies to be collected for six years from 2015 through 2020, inclusive. In accordance with Resolution No. 1187 approving this proposition, these taxes would be deposited in the District’s Capital Projects Fund to pay for the acquisition, installation, and management of computer technology systems, facilities and projects, including enhancing infrastructure, acquiring hardware, licensing software, and implementing online applications and training for the District’s technology systems, facilities, or projects. If authorized by the voters and based on current assessed valuation information, estimated levy rates per $1,000 of assessed value would be $0.42 (2015 collection); $0.41 (2016 collection); $0.40 (2017 collection); $0.39 (2018 collection); $0.38 (2019 collection); $0.37 (2020 collection). The exact levy rate shall be adjusted based upon the actual assessed value of the property within the District at the time of the levy.

 

For additional questions regarding this measure contact: Michael Newman - Deputy Superintendent 253-931-4930 • mnewman@auburn.wednet.edu

A Citizen’s Ad Hoc Committee has studied the future technology needs of the Auburn School District.  For our students in the Auburn School District to compete for jobs in the future, they must be skilled with technology.  This committee recommended advancing the school district’s technology forward to meet the needs of students now and into the future.  The recommendations include expanded infrastructure, high-yield strategies for teaching and learning, access by students and staff, and needed funding and support to implement the initiatives.

This technology levy will provide targeted 1 to 1 student access, expand wireless access, bring current and new technology to students and staff for 24/7 access to learning resources.  The funding is crucial to the future educational opportunities to our kids and their future educational and career endeavors.

Vote “Yes” to assure access of technology to enhance the quality education for all kids now and into their future.

Union officials in the Auburn School District have pressured the school board to divert levy funds from student services in order to pay teachers more. Our levy should pay for student services, not for wage increases.

 

In the collective bargaining agreement sought by union officials, the average state-provided wage of $52,777 for instructional employees will be enhanced by 13% from levy and levy-matched funds. This costs roughly $5.1 million per year which could be better used to help at-risk students or reduce class sizes. The school district leads taxpayers to believe the levy money is being used for students, yet large amounts support union priorities instead.

 

Levies are great for funding local priorities and unique services for our area students, but taxpayers should hold off giving the school district any more money until the school board is able to put student services above the demands of union officials.

Fact: Against statement fails to engage Auburn’s levy and its claims are baseless and without merit. The replacement technology levy isn’t about wages or union demands. Fact: The levy specifically brings enhanced technology and digital devices into classrooms for student learning. The replacement levy provides students and families 24/7 access to learning resources and opportunities for students to excel. This approach to teaching and learning enhances all students’ performance, for accelerated and especially at-risk learners. 

 

Statement submitted by: Auburn Citizens for Schools, Ryan Anderson, and Kelly M. McDonald
auburncitizens4schools@outlook.com

 

 

The Auburn School District is asking for new money from taxpayers because they have allowed union officials to divert existing levy money to pay teachers more--rather than using that money for things like technology for students. If only the district had managed their existing levy money better, they wouldn’t have to ask for more now.

Voting ‘no’ on Proposition 1 will send this message to the district: Be more responsible with taxpayer’s money.

Statement submitted by: Laurie Lyford, Renay Bennett, and Tom Henningsgards
propertyrights4us@gmail.com

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

1259 en-US Production

TTY: Relay 711

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