Vote Yes on this replacement levy which renews our commitment to more than 20,000 Bellevue students and reduces your tax rate.  This levy funds technical literacy for all students and essential building maintenance projects.

The technology portion of this levy pays for computers and peripherals used by all students and teachers.  This includes classroom projectors and smart boards, printers, shared laptop carts for elementary students, and individual laptops for middle and high school students. It also pays for the digital curriculum supporting STEM learning, software packages such as Dreambox, RazKids, and the student information system as well as the technical staff to support the infrastructure, teachers and students.

The capital projects portion of this levy pays for critical school repairs, such as replacing roofs, flooring, and HVAC systems.  Properly maintained school buildings are critical to student safety and the overall learning environment.

Approving this levy ensures our school buildings are safe and maintained, and that our students are all given access to a technical education that prepares them for the global job market they will enter.

Make a difference, renew your commitment and vote yes.

The State Legislature approved Engrossed House Bill 2242; the intent of this legislation was to establish the legislative foundation for funding education for State students in compliance with Article IX of the State's constitution; and to satisfy subsequent State Supreme Court decisions regarding such funding.  The full impact of this legislation (and possible additional actions by the Legislature and Court) has not yet been determined by the Bellevue School District, King County, or other applicable regulatory agencies.  Consequently, the amount of funding to be provided by the State for District educational programs is not yet known.  Thus, it is premature to consider the imposition of new tax levies until a final determination of such funding is made.  Voters are  therefore urged to reject this proposition.

Further, the Bellevue School District and Board have not considered any alternatives to increased taxation which is directed toward educational enhancements, not basic education; neither body has provided Bellevue citizens with detailed information on why changes to the K-12 curriculum, services, and other economies could not be considered to reduce the need for possible additional funding that could eliminate the need for new taxes.  Voters are therefore urged to reject this proposition.

Bellevue students must be prepared for the digital world.  House Bill 2242 significantly underfunds the technology programs, equipment and support staff Bellevue students benefit from today.  Nor does the state fund major school maintenance and repairs.  A high-quality technical education and well-maintained schools require this replacement levy.  It allows technology learning to continue, major building repairs to be completed and replaces the expiring levy.  Vote Yes for 20,000+ Bellevue students!

Submitted by: HyAnne Neff, Chris Marks info@bellevuequalityschools.org

Proposition 2 should be rejected because it includes costs for  technology enhancements that have no credible rationale.  These costs could be funded by the State once the Legislature and State Supreme Court agree on a final McCleary resolution.  Funds for building maintenance should not be approved until the maintenance plans have been reviewed by a competent engineering firm, and results of the review presented to the Board and district taxpayers.

Submitted by: David Plummer pdf3@comcast.net

 Complete text of measure

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

For questions about this measure, contact: Melissa deVita, Deputy Superintendent 425-456-4025 devitam@bsd405.org