Vancouver Public Schools offical levy election results
68.94% yes votes
Facts about the Replacement Levy for Maintenance and Operations
Vancouver Public Schools had a replacement levy for maintenance and operations (M & O) on the ballot February 9, 2010.
Voters approved the M & O levy with 68 percent "yes" votes. The M & O levy comprises 17 percent of the district’s general fund budget.
The replacement levy will continue local funding for basic education and maintain current programs and services through the year 2013. Levy dollars are essential to pay for the following items:
• Teacher and support positions
• Classroom supplies, textbooks and equipment
• Instructional technology and software
• Security monitors
• Maintenance of buildings and grounds
• Staff training and professional development
• Support for programs of choice
• Extended day/year learning
• Education for students with special needs
• Extracurricular activities and intramural sports
• Technology support in schools
• Substitutes
• Portable classrooms
• Utilities, insurance and fuel
• Student transportation
Voters must reauthorize the local levy for each year of funding. In Vancouver, voters have approved the M & O levy for every year since 1964.
Top 10 Levy Facts
This is a replacement levy, not a new tax.
The levy will maintain basic programs and services for Vancouver Public Schools.
The levy will provide local funding for our schools over the next three years—for 2011, 2012 and 2013.
The levy pays for teachers and support staff.
Levy dollars buy classroom supplies, textbooks, software and equipment.
Classroom programs and extracurricular and intramural activities depend on the levy.
The levy funds services—maintenance of buildings and grounds, safety and security, transportation, utilities, insurance, and fuel.
Levy amounts are based on the state’s 24% levy lid:
$39 million for 2011, $41 million for 2012, and $43 million for 2013.
Vancouver’s levy rates are lower than rates of similar-sized districts.
This local maintenance and operations (M & O) levy has been in place since 1964.
Questions? Answers!
The Questions? Answers! booklet provides detailed information about the replacement maintenance and operations levy that will be on the ballot Feb. 9, 2010.
Voter registration
To register and vote in Clark County, you must be a U.S. citizen, be a resident of the county, have your full civil rights, and be 18 years old by the day of the election. To vote in an election for Vancouver Public Schools, you must live within the school district boundaries.
Voter registration forms are available at all school offices and at the Clark County Elections Department (1408 Franklin Street). Or, you may register online if you have a valid Washington State driver’s license or a state identification card (www.clarkvotes.org).
You may register to vote in Clark County up to 29 days prior to the election date if you are a voter currently registered in the state of Washington. Registration forms may be submitted by mail, online, or in person.
If you are not registered to vote anywhere in the state of Washington, you may submit your registration form in person at the Elections Department up to eight days before the election date. For more information, contact the Clark County Elections Department, (360) 397-2345.
The Election What percentage of “yes” votes is required for approval of the levy?
A simple majority (50 percent plus one) of “yes” votes is required to approve the school district levy measure.
How will this election be conducted?
This is an all mail-in election. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters Jan. 20. Persons who reside in Clark County but who will be out of town between Jan. 20 and
Feb. 9 may call the elections office to have a ballot mailed to an alternate address.
How can I cast my ballot?
Ballots may be returned by mail to the Clark County Elections Office. Ballots must be postmarked by Feb. 9. Postage of 44 cents is required. Remember to sign your ballot.
Ballots also may be dropped off at the Elections Office (1408 Franklin Street) or at the Elections Drop Box (center of 14th Street, between Franklin and Esther streets) between Jan. 20 and Feb. 9. Additional drop-off sites will be open on election day only.
Are some people entitled to a reduction in school levy property taxes?
Yes. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may apply for a reduction in property taxes if these qualifications are met:
• You are at least 61 years of age at the time the claim is filed (or by Dec. 31 of the filing year), or unable to work due to a disability, or a veteran with a 100 percent service connected disability;
• You are the owner/buyer or have a Life Estate or Lease for Life interest in the property and live in the home as your principal residence; and
• Your annual combined disposable income is no more than $35,000.
For detailed information, refer to the
Department of Revenue Property Tax Exemption for Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons publication.
