Vote Yes on this levy. It will Not cause a tax increase, is only collected once and supports district transportation needs for the next 7-10 years.  These funds allow the district to replace aging buses and add capacity to relieve crowding.

This levy provides more students the ability to ride buses thus reducing traffic around schools and throughout Bellevue.  Our students need additional buses for transportation to/from school, field trips, extra-curricular activities and athletics.

Enrollment has grown by nearly 5,000 students since the previous bus levy occurred in 2000.  There are over 11,300 bus rides each day spread across 182 routes.  With more capacity, more students will be able to conveniently and safely ride a bus, reducing traffic and helping families with transportation.

Make a difference, support additional student transportation 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.

House Bill 2242 does not provide funds to purchase new school buses nor outfit them with additional safety equipment.  Since the last transportation levy 17 years ago, enrollment has increased by 5,000 students making the aging fleet of buses insufficient to meet the needs of our student population.  This one-time levy will support transportation needs and projected growth for the next 7-10 years.  Vote Yes for student transportation!

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

Proposition 3 should be rejected because the Administration and Board have not provided District taxpayers with one or more zero-tax alternatives, including detailed transportation service and vehicle utilization and maintenance analyses.  Such analyses should also include evaluation of methods of reducing the need for District provided bus service.

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