Tax Replacement Propositions on Chelan School District Special Election Ballot

by Dennis Rahm, LCN Feature Photos: FFA and CMS Drama

The Lake Chelan School District is seeking the approval of two tax levy replacement propositions that will be on the February 11 special election ballot. Voters within the school district boundaries will receive ballots in the mail by the end of this week.

The District is asking for a two-year Educational Programs and Operations levy that would extend the current four-year Maintenance and Operation levy that was approved by voters in 2016. The proposed EP&O levy would generate $3.5 million per year in 2021 and 2022 with funds being earmarked for academic programs and classroom support, student support, student opportunities, maintenance and operations, and activities including sports, band, art, drama, clubs and after school programs.

Also, on the ballot is a four-year Educational Technology levy that would generate $250,000 per year and would extend the current technology levy through 2026. The Technology levy funds would be used to replace aging computers, printers and servers. It also allows for upgrading wireless internet capabilities and supports online courses and emergency systems.

School Superintendent Barry DePaoli says levies are essential to operate a quality district and noted that the monies make up for about a 15-16 percent budget shortfall from the State. If both levies are approved, the local tax impact will be $1.41 per $1,000. Information released by the District indicates the levy rate in 2021 will be five-percent lower than the 2019 rate.

The levies require 50-percent voter approval for passage. Ballots must be returned by Tuesday, February 11 and postmarked no later than 8:00 pm. For more information, email Superintendent DePaoli at depaolib@chelanschools.org or click on the documents below for additional information.

Link to the FAQ:

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/561631/Levy_Primer_I.pdf

Link to the Information Mailer:

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/561630/lcsd_levy_2020_mailer_final3.pdf