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A YES VOTE
On February 14, 2012 the San Juan Island School District will ask voters to renew the Capital Projects and Technology Levy for four years.
"Basic Education Funding" provided by the State of Washington is not sufficient to fully fund our District's capital facilities improvements and technology programs. State funding has been cut significantly over the last four years, and more cuts are expected next year. Renewal of this levy ensures the continuing excellence of our school programs by maintaining the investment in our facilities by funding. . .
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. This capital levy assures that a greater portion of the general fund is directed to sustaining high quality instruction and to maintain reasonable class sizes. If you have any questions, we encourage you to look at the documents posted on this site or to call the District Office at 378-4133. ++++++++++++++++++++++ How much is the 2012 Capital & Technology Levy? If approved, the 2012 capital projects and technology levy would raise $940,750 each year for four years from 2013 through 2016. The amount of this year's levy has increased in order to preserve the District's investments in buildings and grounds. The primary objective of the of the 2012 levy is to the repair structural issues at the 25 year old Friday Harbor Elementary School site - this comprises over 40% of the request. The remainder of the funds will update technology across the District, and repair and maintain other District properties used everyday by our students, faculty and community. +++++++++ Who determined the amount of the 2012 Capital & Technology Levy? A citizens' advisory committee came together in 2011 and studied a wide range of needs for the District. The group was composed of parents, teachers, and community members who brought a diverse and informed set of skills to the table, including civil engineers, contractors, building material experts, IT and technology experts and educators. The group toured sites, studied reports and created their recommendation based on needs, not wants of the District. This group believes that making the proper investments in the District's existing facilities is the most economical approach to long term fiscal responsibility. Please click on the following link to see the material reviewed by the advisory committee as well as the recommended projects. Support materials for establishing priorities +++++++++++++++ Levy History All school bonds have been paid off since the fall of 2011. The bonds were passed to pay for acquisition of new school site and to pay for the construction at Friday Harbor Middle School and High School. The bonds ran from the 1998 to 2010. The rate for the 2008 bond was 0.58/$1000. The rate in 2009 for bonds was 0.59/$1000. Even with an increase in the amount requested for the capital and technology improvements in this levy, the overall school tax rate has decreased since 2009-levels due to the expiration of the bonds.
* Estimates provided by the San Juan County Assessor's Office  San Juan Island School DistrictCapital Projects and Technology Levy Renewal Facts Fact #1 On February 14th, voters will be asked to renew our capital projects and technology levy, which expires in 2012. Nearly 100% of the District's annual expenditures for major facility maintenance, and approximately 65% of technology equipment and operations are funded by this capital levy. This levy is essential to our schools. San Juan Island voters have supported our schools at the polls for decades. Fact #2 This is not a new tax. In 2005 voters approved a facility and technology levy at a 65% approval rate. In 2008 voters approved a similar measure at a 65% approval rate. Now it is time to ask voters to renew the capital levy for the next four years to preserve these investments. Fact #3 The amount of the levy request has increased due to maintenance and facility needs. The current (volunteer) facility committee believes that taking care of the existing facilities is an economical, long term approach to fiscal responsibility. The proposed capital projects list prioritizes needs, not "wants." Fact #4 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 and capital renovation or improvements. School districts rely on local levy support to maintain the integrity of facilities and to fund technology programs and services. Fact #5 While the middle school and high school were remodeled in 2000, the elementary school is 25 years old. Our schools are well used beyond the school day including nights and weekends. The heating systems, roofs, walls, doors, and floors need constant maintenance. Major projects included in the levy are heat system upgrades, locker room renovation, floor repair, restroom refurbishment, and interior painting. A complete project list is available at: www.sjisd.wednet.edu or call 378-4133.
Fact #6 Technology is essential. Our students need the tools to learn the technology skills that are essential for 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 academic achievement, annually. Fact #8 The bonds to pay for land acquisition and to remodel Friday Harbor Middle School and Friday Harbor High School have been paid off. Taxpayer assessments should see an overall decrease in school levy rates since the fall of 2010, even with this proposed increase in the capital and technology levy. Fact #9 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 during school vacations.
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