Local levies fund education programs and
operation of your public schools.
The Sumner School District will be asking voters to consider an educational program maintenance and operation levy proposition. Renewing this existing levy will maintain current education programs and services for all students. In our district, the levy funds approximately 20% of our budget.
Levy dollars fund day-to-day expenses, not “extras.”
The levy supports day-to-day operation of schools and items not
funded, or not fully funded, by the state. Levy dollars are spent directly on services
to all students. It is important to remember this levy is not a new tax; it simply replaces the current levy measure approved by voters in 2006.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Levies
Q. What is an educational programs, maintenance and operation levy?
A. This is a property tax collected to help finance
the education programs and operations of public schools in
the Sumner School District. The levy pays for items necessary
for the day-to-day operation of schools. The levy does not
fund “extras.”
Q. How much funding does the replacement levy provide?
A. The levy pays for items not funded, or
not fully funded, by the State and provides about 20% of the
District’s financial support. Local levy dollars are necessary and help fill the shortfall in State and Federal funding, providing education programs and services for over 8,000 students throughout the Sumner School District.
Q. How are these dollars used?
A. The levy provides money to hire classroom teachers
and paraeducators. It also provides support for instructional supplies
and materials including textbooks.
Levy dollars fund all school safety, security and prevention programs, all athletic, drama, music and extra-curricular programs and activities, and
student transportation.
Q. How does Sumner compare with neighboring school districts?
A. Most school districts in the greater Puget Sound area
also have M & O levies that provide approximately 20% of their
financial support. Tax rates vary based upon the total assessed
valuation of property within the district. Sumner’s tax rates
for schools are among the lowest in the area.
Q. Is this a new tax?
A. No, it simply replaces the current four-year levy, approved by voters in 2006 that expires
at the end of 2010.
Q. Why is this a four-year levy?
A. Because long-range financial planning is important
and to reduce staff time and election costs, the Sumner School District
Board has chosen to again place a four-year levy on the ballot for
voter consideration. The levy will collect funds in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. By law, voters must approve renewal of the existing levy every four years.
Q. What is the tax rate?
A. If approved by voters, the estimated rate for the first year of the levy is $2.93 per thousand, one of the lowest levy rates in our area. Property taxes, such as school levies and bonds, are tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contact your tax advisor for more information.
Q. How much money will the replacement levy provide to our schools?
A. The educational programs, maintenance and operation levy will provide $17 million in 2011, $18 million in 2012, $19 million in 2013 and $21 million in 2014.
Need More Information?
If you have additional questions or need more information, call
the Communications and Community Relations Office at (253) 891-6070. |
