San Juan Island School District Capital Projects and Technology Levy 2008

On February 19, 2008 the San Juan Island School District will ask its voters to renew the capital projects and technology levy for four years.

This levy provides funding for nearly 100% of major maintenance and improvements of facilities, and approximately 65% of overall technology operations and equipment. Basic Education Funding provided by the State of Washington is not sufficient to fully fund our Districts capital facility improvements and technology programs.

Renewal of this levy ensures the continuing excellence of our school programs and maintains the investment in our school facilities through funding.

• Major repairs, renovations, and improvements needed to maintain our investment in our school buildings and equipment

• Technology network upgrades and Instructional Technology for teaching, student computing, presentations, publishing, and special education

• Essential technology operations including technician support, staff training, and software upgrades

While the general fund pays for the daily cleaning of our facilities and minor repairs, capital funds are required for major repairs, replacements, and improvements of facilities, and for the equipment and operation of technology programs and services. Further, this capital levy continues to assure that a greater portion of the general fund is directed to sustaining high quality and diverse instructional, fine arts, performing arts, sports and co-curricular programs. If you have questions, we hope you will call the District Office at 378-4133.

If approved, the capital projects and technology levy would renew the existing levy and continue to raise $500,000 each year for four years from 2009 through 2012.

Collection Years	Levy Amount	Approximate Levy Rate/$1,000 Assessed Value	Approximate Annual Cost for a Home Assessed at $500,000
Past Levy Year 2006	$500,000	$0.23	$115
Past Levy Year 2007	$500,000	$0.16	$80
Current Levy Year 2008	$500,000	$0.15	$75
*Proposed Levy 2009	$500,000	$0.14	$70
*Proposed Levy 2010	$500,000	$0.13	$65
*Proposed Levy 2011	$500,000	$0.13	$65
*Proposed Levy 2012	$500,000	$0.12	$60

* Estimates provided by the San Juan County Assessor's Office

Some property owners may qualify for an exemption from levy property taxes if they are
enrolled in the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons State Exemption Program.
Criteria for enrollment are available at the County Assessor’s Office.

San Juan Island School District
Capital Projects and Technology Levy Renewal Facts

Fact #1

On February 19^th, voters will be asked to renew our capital projects and technology levy, which expires in 2008.

Nearly 100% of the Districts annual expenditure for major facility maintenance, and approximately 65% of technology equipment and operations is funded by this capital levy. This levy is essential to our schools, and San Juan Island voters have supported our schools at the polls for decades.

Fact #2

While the middle school and high school were remodeled in 2000, the elementary school is 21 years old, and the Turnbull Gym and technology center were built 27 years ago.

Our schools are well used beyond the school day including nights and weekends. The heat systems, roofs, walls, doors, and floors need constant maintenance. Major projects included in the levy are heat system upgrades, locker room renovation, carpet replacement and floor repair, restroom refurbishment, interior painting, and tennis court and track surface renewal. A complete project list is available call 378-4133.

Fact #3

This is not a new tax.

In September of 2005 voters authorized a capital levy that is in effect through 2008. Now it is time to ask voters to renew the capital levy for the next four years.

Fact #4

When the total assessed value for San Juan Island property goes up, the actual tax rate for the capital levy is reduced.

Voters approve a fixed dollar amount for each year of the capital levy. The District receives no additional money when assessed property values increase.

Fact #5

Local capital levy dollars make up the difference between what it costs to operate our schools and what the state funds.

State basic education funding provides almost no designated resources for technology operations or major facility/capital renovation or improvements. San Juan Island, similar to most school districts in the state, relies on local levy support to maintain the integrity of our facilities and to fund technology programs and services.

Fact #6

Technology is essential.

Our students need the tools to learn the technology skills that are essential to success in their education and careers. We must maintain a basic level of technology that is updated regularly so that our students can compete...anywhere.

Fact #7

The Capital levy has been a good investment in student success.

Paying for capital needs with a capital levy allows a greater portion of the general fund to be directed to instruction. Academically, students in our district score in the top 25% in the state and gain entrance to colleges and universities across the country. Sports teams receive awards in both athletic and academic achievement annually.

Fact #8

The entire community benefits from our school facilities.

Each year over 50 user groups and thousands of children, adults, and senior citizens use our facilities for recreation, meetings and events during evenings, weekends and school vacations.

Ballots must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Elections Office in the Courthouse by Tuesday, February 19th, 2008.