Proposition No. 1
Submitted by Peninsula School District No. 401
SCHOOL MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION LEVIES

Official Ballot Title:

Explanatory Statement:

The Peninsula School District is requesting renewal of local support for the Maintenance and Operation Levy, which expired in 1998. The amount requested is $10,990,000 for collection in 2000; $11,100,000 for collection in 2001; and 11,286,000 for collection in 2002. The estimated cost per $1,000 of assessed value is $2.59 for 2000; $2.52 for 2001; and $2.47 for 2002.
The Peninsula School District maintains a commitment to educational improvement. Approval of the requested levy will restore the teaching and non-certificated positions and instructional programs supported by 1997 and 1998 local levy funding. Classroom instructional materials and increased funding for reduction of class size are included in this request. Additionally, facility repairs will be continued, maintenance improved and school buses replaced.
Local levy funding supports educational, maintenance, facility and equipment replacement programs not adequately funded by the State. This Maintenance and Operations levy will provide approximately 16% of the District's operating budget. The remaining fund sources of District operations are State (77%), federal (4%), and local fees, foundation grants, etc. (3%).

Statement For:

Vote Yes for Students: Smaller Class Size, More Textbooks, Safe Buses!
Support the Levy!

Peninsula schools deserve and need your support on March 9th. Washington State does not fully fund your schools, therefore, we must make up approximately 16% of necessary funding to maintain quality education and local control.
Your yes vote will make the difference and is crucial to the future of Peninsula School District. According to the Independent Washington Research Council, over the past three years, 92% of the school districts in Washington have spent more per student than Peninsula has at $5,908. Being financially accountable to you is a priority, while providing quality learning for our children.
The majority of this levy goes directly to schools and classrooms, accounting for 74% of the levy dollars. In addition, 21% of the levy funds building maintenance and 5% funds new buses. The drastic cuts this year have schools struggling to maintain necessary programs and services. Should the levy not pass this year, further cuts will more than double for next year.
This levy will not be collected until the year 2000 and will decrease each year from $2.59 per thousand of assessed valuation in 2000 to $2.52 in 2001 and $2.47 in 2002. These rates are the lowest in Pierce County. Remember that this levy will simply replace the levy that you passed in 1996.
Your Yes vote on March 9 assures a quality education that prepares our children for the future and enhances the quality of our community.

Statement prepared by : Barbara Trotter and Jonni Graybeal, Citizens for Peninsula Schools

Statement Against:

Levy rhetoric. What's true? Is over $7500 per student not enough? Does the district and board forthrightly present their case? Let's dispel several myths.
ALIGN=CENTER; Myth #1: Our Levy Rate Is Lower Than Most Pierce County School Districts
Each district has a maximum levy amount it can ask for. Based on that amount and the value of taxable property, the levy rate per thousand is set. Our rate is lower because our property values are higher. The rate is not lower because the district and board are charitable. They would ask for more if they could .
ALIGN=CENTER; Myth #2: A Levy is the Only Way to Get the Money They Say Is Needed
If levy supporters voluntarily sent money for their portion of the levy, would levy elections be necessary? How many supporters sent money after the failures last year? Do supporters truly believe in the levy if they have to be forced to pay?
ALIGN=CENTER Myth #3: You Are Greedy, Mean, Selfish and Don't Like Children If You Vote No
Look at your property tax statement. The 45-50% that goes to schools has no levy money in it. Even without a levy your property tax supports education . If the levy passes, property taxes will rise approximately 23%. To calculate the amount, divide the value of your home by 1000 and multiply by $2.59.
ALIGN=CENTER Myth #4: They Have to Cut Extra Curricular Activities and Close Sports Fields
These are always the first threatened cuts because they cause such emotional reactions. Parents could pay extra-curricular fees with money saved from a levy failure . We the taxpayers paid for the sports fields. The district should ask the groups who use the fields to help with the upkeep and not issue a closure ultimatum.
If you don't vote it will not help defeat the levy. You must vote no.

Statement prepared by : Jim Hagman and Barry D'ambrosio

The above statements were written by the jurisdiction committees, which are solely responsible for the contents therein.
This pamphlet was published by the Pierce County Auditor's Office

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