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Kent School District No. 415

Proposition No. 1

Capital Projects and Technology Levy

The Board of Directors of Kent School District No. 415 adopted Resolution No. 1680 concerning a proposition for a replacement capital projects and technology levy. If approved, this proposition would authorize the District to levy the following excess taxes on all taxable property within the District, to provide funding for capital projects for student safety, security, instruction, classroom and support services, and technology needs.

 

Collection Year

Approximate Levy Rate/$1,000 Assessed Value

Levy Amount

2025

$0.72

$32,200,000

2026

$0.70

$32,600,000

2027

$0.68

$33,000,000

 

Should this proposition be approved?

Yes

No


Passage of Proposition No. 1 would allow Kent School District No. 415 to renew a capital projects and technology levy by levying $32,200,000 for collection in 2025, $32,600,000 for collection in 2026, and $33,000,000 for collection in 2027. This new Proposition is for approximately half the amount of the April 2024 levy proposal that was not approved by the voters. 

 

This levy would support critical student technology, safety, and health improvement programs and projects, including upgrades to building fire alarm systems; installation of new boilers, roofing and building siding improvements; replacement of a transportation fueling station; a new emergency generator for the child nutrition program refrigeration system; modernized Mill Creek Middle School and Kentridge High School athletic fields; and other capital improvements. In addition, the District would improve its technology systems by continuing its one-to-one computer device program; as well as refreshing safety intercom systems, voice amplification systems, and classroom display technologies. The levy would additionally enhance cybersecurity and disaster recovery infrastructure; make network infrastructure improvements; replace the district’s data center uninterruptible power supply; and provide training and support for the foregoing.

 

Based on projected assessed valuation information, the District estimates tax rates of $0.72 per $1,000 of assessed value for collection in 2025, $0.70 for collection in 2026 and $0.68 for collection in 2027.

 

Tax exemptions may be available to homeowners who are 61 or older, or disabled, and who meet certain income requirements. For information regarding exemptions, call the King County Assessor at (206) 296-3920.

The Kent School District community has always come together to support the critical needs of our community. We care deeply about our kids in this community and know that the only way at present we get our kids the most prepared for the world takes us beyond what the state model provides. We are urging all to vote Yes on this Levy because we are at a point where the proposal before you meet the bare minimum requirements of the district’s needs for the next three years. The proposal is $92 million less than last April’s measure which is a reduction of 49%. We are asking our voters to consider the long-term health of the school system. Aging facilities, depleted programs, and failed school levies carry over to the negative impact on communities, and regardless if you have a student in the district, we all are impacted by property values and an educated public. The district has no on-going capital funding source beyond this year. In history there have been critical decisions made that changed the course of individuals future. We believe strongly the time is now for each of us to step up and “Put Our Kids First!”

 

Submitted by: Leslie Hamada, Dana Ralph, Jeff Wagner, lesliehamada@comcast.net

How many capital levies must fail before KSD decides to listen to the community and create real change?  Apparently, at least one more.

 

Supporters claim this levy is a 50% reduction, but it’s only a reduction compared to the previously doubled ask.  The existing levy will collect $29.5 million in 2024, while this new levy would collect $32.2 million in 2025, an increase of almost 10%.

 

Meanwhile, the district continues with no plan.  They removed projects like air conditioning, accessible playground equipment, and secure school entrances, while keeping synthetic fields and roof replacements for portables.  They claim these projects are emergencies, but the levy will take three years to fully collect.  Which “emergencies” can wait three years to start?  And how many more years will we have to wait to get air conditioning and more secure entrances?

 

Do not let the district scare you into a tax increase.  According to the district’s June 2024 financial report, they have nearly $100 million in their capital fund balance, which is plenty to cover projects in 2025 while they work to approve a sustainable plan for 2026 and beyond.  Vote No until the district shows real change and real accountability.

 

Submitted by: Matthew Parrish, Joe Riley

Voters deserve facts. Bare, bone projects selected for this levy are at or beyond their life expectancy and prioritized by need. The Levy at 97.8m, 49% less than the previous levy. Tax rate is reduced by 17% from $3.55 to $2.92 per thousand of assessed property. The Capital fund balance of $97M is already set for designated projects. The Levy plan is on the KSD website. $24,450,00 for technology opens world opportunities for our kids!

 

Submitted by: Leslie Hamada, Dana Ralph, Jeff Wagner, lesliehamada@comcast.net

The long-term health of our school system requires more than a minimally-funded levy; it requires trust, accountability, and follow-through.  These are not traits that exist in KSD today.  Promises from the 2016 bond have gone unfulfilled, capital projects are being approved with minimal board oversight, and the district repeatedly claims that levy projects can be changed at any time.

 

They promise future change, but we demand it now.  Vote No until they listen.

 

Submitted by: Matthew Parrish, Joe Riley

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

For questions about this measure, contact: Dr. Wade Barringer, Deputy Superintendent, (253) 373-7001, Wade.Barringer@kent.k12.wa.us

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