The Kalama School District Board of Directors has approved a replacement levy resolution for the upcoming February 14, 2023 election ballot.
Voters will be asked to consider a three-year replacement Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy, which is the continuation of an existing funding measure that is set to expire at the end of this year.
The existing levy was approved in April 2020 at an estimated rate of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The replacement levy is being proposed to voters at the same estimated rate.
If approved, the EP&O levy would help to fund programs and services that are unfunded or underfunded by the state of Washington. The levy would pay for things like school counselors, health care specialists, athletic activities and equipment, performing arts such as band and choir, special education staffing, social-emotional learning supports, school security, textbooks and curricula, and additional teaching staff to maintain small class sizes.
In addition to maintaining services and operations that are not fully-funded by the state, the district seeks to expand its educational offerings in key areas:
- Outdoor learning experiences (CISPUS, Natural Resources, Field STEM, etc.)
- Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) opportunities
- Early learning programs
“Levies fund programs, activities and services that allow the district to provide a high quality education in a safe, welcoming environment,” said Ryan Cruser, Kalama School District Board President. “These levy-funded programs provide the opportunity for our students to create interests and develop skills to be successful post-graduation. The board appreciates the community's consistent and generous support of Kalama schools.”
For the EP&O levy, the district is requesting authorization to collect $3,499,447 in 2024, $3,771,427 in 2025, and $4,064,113 in 2026.
At an estimated $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value, Kalama School District’s replacement levy rate would continue to be among the lowest in Southwest Washington.
More information on the EP&O levy can be found on Kalama School District’s website, at www.kalamaschools.org/page/educational-programs-and-operations-levy. An informational mailer will be sent to all property owners in late January.