The South Whidbey School District will intensify its campaign to get voter approval for a three-year levy at an estimated tax rate of $1.03 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

In January, the committee — made up of school staff, business people, PTA members, parents and elected officials — will begin to place signs in key positions, print and mail letters to voters, speak at community functions and launch a phone campaign to educate voters about the levy on Feb. 9.

The levy is divided into two sections, totaling $1.03 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.

“We ask for a specific dollar amount, so the levy rate will fluctuate depending on the rise and fall of future property values,” said district business manager Dan Poolman.

First, the district is asking 20 cents per $1,000 which will provide $700,000 for upgrades in technology and $250,000 to cover repairs to those leaky roofs.

The second section of the levy request deals with operational expenses which are not fully funded by the state, including salaries, food service, utilities and transportation. In the first year, that amount is 83 cents per $1,000, or $3,950,000.