Study session on levy/bond issue options
Chief Financial Officer Ron Hack gave a presentation on options for February 2010 ballot measures. The replacement educational programs and operations (REPO) levy is not a new tax, and the current REPO levy will expire December 2010. This levy is replaced every four years. If passed by voters, the levy will maintain local funding through 2014, and provides 22 percent of the general fund annual revenues. The REPO levy provides for programs and staff not fully funded by state or federal sources, and pays for day-to-day operations. It cannot be mixed with capital levy or bond revenues.
The district’s Citizen’s Finance and Audit Committee reviewed the long-range plan for facilities and technology and discussed a long-range financing plan and strategies. The committee recommended two ballot measures:
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Renewal of the replacement and educational programs and operations levy, and
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Capital levy/bond issue for facilities/technology.
Before making decisions about the Feb. 9, 2010, ballot measures, the school board will consider information presented by district staff on possible options and dollar amounts.
Recognitions
The board recognized former Skyline E.S. Principal Sally Sundberg and the Skyline staff for being awarded a “Great School” Award for academic improvement. This is the second year in a row that Skyline has earned an award for sustained academic improvement. Rebecca Owens is the new principal at Skyline.
Stafford E.S. Principal Cynthia Evans was recognized for her participation in the Principals’ Arts Leadership (PAL) program and earning recognition for Stafford’s best practices in arts education in a recent study of the PAL program by ArtsEd Washington. Stafford was also one of three finalists for a Washington State Imagination grant.
Other actions
The board:
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proclaimed the week of Nov. 15–21 as American Education Week.
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adopted Resolution No. 1853 authorizing the school district to pay for attendance at the Washington State School Directors Association annual conference by school directors-elect.
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adopted Resolution No. 1854 supporting opposition to Initiative 1033.
The next regular school board meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 6 p.m. in the fourth-floor board auditorium, Central Administration Building, 601 S. 8th St., Tacoma.