In Washington, the state pays only for teaching basics.
The community pays for buildings, athletics, band, enrichment, shop, etc.
If you think this is fair, go look at the schools on Mercer Island.
The Quilcene Elementary School building was built in 1948, before television.
Its electrical system is inadequate, it’s freezing in the winter and the roof leaks, it’s not attached to the foundation, it could collapse in a medium earthquake.
We paid for it in 1948 and now we need to replace it.
The children trust us to provide a safe building that encourages learning.
Just like a 1948 car, it would cost more to repair than replace.
The bond will cost exactly the same per year as we now pay, $1.74/$1000 valuation, or about $10/week for a $300,000 property, not an exorbitant tax for safe schools.
Mercer Island’s school tax rate is the same, they just have more expensive houses.
Some people are concerned that there isn’t a design they can critique before the vote, but the district can’t spend money on designers and architects until the bond passes.
You’ll get what you pay for after you pay for it.
Tom Britherton
Quilcene