Replacement levies sought for critical programs
information released; photo above: CMS and CHS school counselors and staff lead the Hope Squad peer support group
The Lake Chelan School District (LCSD) Board of Directors announces the approval of two important ballot measures that will appear on the February 13, 2024 election ballot. These are replacements for expiring levies and not new taxes.
The first, a four-year replacement Educational Programs and Operations (EPO) levy would sustain and enhance educational opportunities that have led to learning-improvement momentum in the district. The replacement levy would support school counseling, school nurses, college level courses, as well as other activities including the district’s student clubs and athletic programs.
The second measure is a Capital Technology levy that would install security upgrades and other improvements. This would also allow students to continue their use of individual devices with the continued funding of the district’s Google Chromebook replacement cycle plus their upkeep. A successful replacement levy would also continue the purchase of digital touchscreen displays for classrooms to replace outdated technology.
An approximate $250,000 derived from the technology replacement levy would also support the needed replacement of HVAC control technology at the Chelan Middle/High School building.
In a statement issued by the Office of Supervisor of Public Instruction (OSPI, “…(the office) recognizes that not every student has access to a high-speed internet connection or other learning and communicating technologies. An essential part of implementing OSPI’s educational technology standards is advocating for funds for all districts. This helps close the educational technology gaps across the state.”
“Thanks to a collaborative effort between our teaching teams, technology team, maintenance team, and extra-curricular advisors and coaches, these ballot measures would provide our students with the continuation of high impact learning experiences in and out of the classroom,” LCSD Superintendent Brad Wilson said. “Students would benefit on a daily basis from these levy funds via their use of learning technology, exposure to fine and performing arts classes, as well as high engagement programs like AFTERS, student clubs, and athletics.”
These technology upgrades would include further enhancements of building safety via additional door security systems and security cameras. It would also fund a critical infrastructure upgrade of HVAC control systems.
“It is my goal that our students have life changing experiences in our schools that lead to them being incredible contributors to our Chelan community,” Wilson added. “It is our duty to provide the best learning environment possible. To that end, we have made measurable progress thanks to the support of our community.”
A link to more information can be found by clicking on the “Levy Info” button on the www.chelanschools.org website.
The LCSD Levy Facts:
4- Year EPO Replacement Levy estimated at $.75 per $1,000 of assessment value. It would sustain and enhance existing programs.
4 – year Capital Technology Replacement Levy Estimated at $.06 per $1,000 of assessment value. To fund student learning technology, HVAC technology, and security technology.
Chelan Middle School students utilizing Chromebooks for learning
Established in 1892, Lake Chelan School District serves nearly 1,271 students with 97 percent of its students graduating in four years and more than 50 percent of high school students enrolled in no-cost, college-level coursework (OSPI data). The district’s headquarters is located at 309 E. Johnson Ave., Chelan, WA 98816. Telephone: (509) 682-3515. Follow the LCSD on Facebook, Instagram or view the LCSD website.
