Urges no on levy
A simple majority vote could approve the Port Angeles School District’s proposed six-year, 77% school property tax hike.
This “smaller chunk,” $2.47 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, added to PASD’s current $3.20 per $1,000, surpasses 2015’s voter rejected $98 million, $2.06 per $1,000 bond.
In our county’s online voters’ guide, levy proponents argue $46.7 million “will fix overcrowding at the five elementary schools” for “compliance with the new state law ordering lower class sizes.”
Washington’s Office of the Attorney General clarifies: “This measure [I-1351, approved by voters in 2014] would direct the legislature to allocate funds to reduce class sizes” and “nothing in the school funding law requires school districts to maintain a particular classroom-teacher-to-student ratio ….”
Orders don’t exist!
Current elementary school enrollment, is 22 students below 2008 enrollment when Fairview closed after 1997-2007’s enrollment 20% decrease. Overcrowding?
After a modular company presentation, the district’s Facilities Committee recommended, “Any and all reasonable and high-quality permanent construction … including modular will be considered.”
Board directors know about modular construction’s minimal 35% cost savings, construction strength and efficiency advantages.
Resolution 1718-04 capital levy plan excludes modular construction. Why?
At $46.7 million, Hamilton Elementary estimated $1,300,000 seismic upgrade (10-5-17 meeting) multiplied by 11 main facilities, (different sizes and needs) would improve “life safety” for approximately $15 million, leaving $31 million for additional facilities improvements.
The district’s Hazard Mitigation Plan states, “reducing threats to life safety is the highest priority” and “all facilities are at a very high risk.” Board directors pursue a highest-cost facilities levy for optional smaller classes while claiming “life safety” holds “highest priority.” What is imperative?
Vote no.
Susan Shotthafer,
Port Angeles
Editor’s note: Susan Shotthafer is a former school board member.