Levy 2020

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS REPLACEMENT LEVY

Thank you to voters for passing the February 11, 2020 Educational Programs and Operations Levy at 61.93%! This levy replaces an expiring levy approved by voters in 2016 and will provide funding to continue important programs, operations and support in the Peninsula School District.

Like most school districts in Washington State, PSD relies on local residents to regularly approve levies to fund critical areas, such as teachers and support staff, athletics and extracurricular activities, safety and security, professional development for staff, and preventative routine maintenance projects. Thank you for your continued support of our schools and community!

"The levy approval provides financial stability for the Peninsula School District for the next three years, and I offer my heartfelt thanks to all of the Peninsula community on behalf of the 9,000 children we serve," said Superintendent Dr. Art Jarvis.

Below is additional information about the Replacement Levy and what it funds.

WHAT DOES THE LEVY FUND?

Teachers and support staff

Examples include:

Staff to keep class sizes low per state mandates
Teachers, front office and technology staff, paraeducators, custodians, nurses, counselors
Professional development for staff

Music, art and athletics

Examples include:

Music, art and performing arts beyond state basic education funding
Athletics, activities, clubs and programs
Extra-curricular transportation

Educational programs

Examples include:

Programs beyond basic education—interventions for students who need extra help and Highly Capable programs for students who need additional challenge
Special Education programs
Advanced Placement (AP) classes

Safety and security

Examples include:

Security enhancements at schools
Security officers and safety support staff
Emergency preparedness

Preventative routine maintenance projects

Examples include:

Routine repair of furniture, equipment and vehicles
HVAC support
Upkeep of athletic/playfields

Read the 2020-2023 levy spending plan.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The district only collects up to the total amount approved by voters.

The total school tax rate is estimated to remain steady at $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value over the three years.

Senior tax exemption

Low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities may qualify for exemption for property taxes. Additional information is available on the Pierce County website.

DID YOU KNOW?

The current levy will expire in 2020, so a new levy must be passed by voters to continue programs listed above.
The levy accounts for 18% of the district’s annual budget.
Athletics and extra-curricular activities are 100% funded by levy dollars.
The levy is for a fixed dollar amount and the District cannot collect more money if property values increase.
PSD has sound fiscal management that earns A+ ratings from auditors.

For more information, please email us at info@psd401.net.

LEVY 2020 FAQs

Why does the district need an Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy?

The Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy funds programs and resources for students not fully funded by state basic funding, such as athletics and extra-curricular activities, support staff, nurses, counselors, safety and security, professional development for staff, special education, highly capable, routine repairs and much more.

How is this levy different from the capital bond we passed last February?

Levies are for learning and bonds are for building. The bond that was approved by voters last February can only be used to build schools. The Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy supports all other District programs and maintains essential funding beyond state basic education.

Isn't the state fully funding education?

The state Legislature has made progress in its efforts to fund education and meet the State Supreme Court's order to do so, but the state still only funds basic education, which accounts for 82% of our District’s budget. This levy funds the remaining essential 18% of our District’s budget.

What is the history regarding this type of levy?

Peninsula School District voters overwhelmingly approved the Continuing Educational Programs and Operations Levy in 2016, at 70.2%. The 2016 levy expires in December 2020, so the Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy will replace that expiring levy.

What is the tax rate, and why is it lower than the 2016 levy?

The State legislature has established guidelines for districts, lowering the local school tax burden and shifting that burden to the state. Districts may collect the lesser of either $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value or $2,500 per student. For our District, the applicable formula is $2,500 per student, which is estimated to be $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value.

The $1.50 per $1,000 is lower than the levy we passed in 2016, which was on the ballot at $2.16 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The levy funds are essential to the operating budget for school districts across the state - this tax is not unique to Peninsula School District.

How are the levy funds used?

Levy funds ensure our District’s quality education programs continue in our schools and reflect our community’s investment in our students. Levy dollars provide for support beyond the state allocation for basic education including but not limited to: safety and security, early learning, special education, highly capable, music, nurses, counselors, teachers, support staff, transportation, preventative maintenance, athletics and activities and professional development for staff.