The students pass by the broken plaster several times each day with hardly a glance.
Leaks have caused a big separation in the wall at the bottom of a stairwell at South Whidbey High School and the break is getting bigger.
In some classes, students and teachers sweat because the heat can’t be adjusted while down the hall kids keep their heavy coats on to stay warm.
School district officials know lots of repairs are needed — some visible and others not so obvious — but they need funding to make them right.
To solve these problems, the school district is hoping voters will agree on Feb. 19 to three levies totalling almost $9.6 million for the years 2009 and 2010.
Taxpayers, currently providing the district 97 cents per
$1,000 of assessed property value, will see that number rise to $1.06 in
2009 and $1.05 in 2010.
A homeowner with property valued at $300,000 could see taxes rise roughly $100 in 2009.
“That number is based on the individual change in the assessed value on their specific home,” said Dan Poolman, business manager for the school district.
“We are very sensitive to our taxpayers,” said District Superintendent Fred McCarthy. “The money is required to keep the district well-maintained and improved without causing an undue burden on their taxes.”
Maintenance-and-operations levy
The first ballot measure is an extension of the current maintenance-and-operations levy which voters authorized in February 2006 and which expires Dec. 31, 2008.
“The state requires that local taxpayers pay 20 percent,” McCarthy said. “The M & O levy maintains financing for educational programs, student services and operations, currently rated at 84 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.”
The levy is needed to help maintain class sizes, pay salaries, cover food service costs and other items not funded by state dollars.
Should it pass, the district will receive $3.7 million in 2009 and $3.8 million in 2010.
Capital projects and technology
Second is the capital projects and technology levy for repairs and renovations for school buildings and grounds, including the glass atrium in the high school commons, sections of the roof in the mat room and the athletic hallway.
“Money is needed for leaks at the high school and we have to fix heating units there and at the middle school,” McCarthy said. “Our phone and intercom systems have to be upgraded. There are several electrical, plumbing and structural projects as well.
“These repairs are basic needs.”
The other part of the second levy deals with technology.
“We want more computers for student learning in the classroom and more training for teachers,” McCarthy said.
If passed, the capital projects/technology levy will raise $950,000 in each of the next two years.
Levy needed for two new buses
The transportation levy will replace two buses that have more than 200,000 miles on their odometers; one each over the next two years. The levy will bring in $100,000 in 2009 and 2010.
“There can be no argument that we must keep safe buses on the road,” McCarthy said.
He noted the district is taking good care of old equipment, but it also has a responsibility to replace buses eventually. More than half of the bus fleet is between 10 and 20 years old.
“Overall, even the older buses look good inside,” McCarthy said. “Our head mechanic, Todd Brager, uses a sewing machine to keep the seats free of tears.”
McCarthy noted that dropping enrollment has had no effect on the district’s vehicles.
“The buses must travel the same distance each day,” he said.
A fourth item on the ballot asks voters to change how board members are picked.
Today, board members represent five specific geographic areas. The district wants to increase the geographic coverage for three seats, plus add two at-large board members.
“It will let someone run for a board position wherever he or she lives,” Poolman said.
Over the next few weeks, board members and McCarthy will be speaking to a variety of community groups about the levy.
