Frequently Asked Questions about Vashon Island School District's 2010 Operations Levy
1. What is this levy?
Tax payer-approved levies are a way for local communities to supplement state funding, which falls short of fully funding public education. Local levies pay for day-to-day operations of schools, including teachers, textbooks, transportation, supplies and extracurricular programs. Vashon Island School District's (VISD) Operations Levy* funds approximately 20 percent of the annual budget, filling the gap between state and federal funds and maintaining essential educational programs for more than 1500 students in three schools.
* The Operations Levy was formerly called the Maintenance and Operations Levy.
2. Is this a new tax?
No. The Operations Levy will renew and replace a current levy that expires in December 2010.
3. What is the cost to taxpayers?
The levy, which funds essential educational programs, would cost taxpayers $3,670,000 in 2011; $3,722,000 in 2012; $3,860,000 in 2013; and $4,083,000 in 2014.
The following chart shows how much the renewed levy will cost tax payers from 2011-2014:In 2002 through 2005, Vashon taxpayers funded $750,000 annually for technology and capital maintenance projects. In 2006 and 2007, voters approved $1,240,000 annually. Currently, capital maintenance/technology funds from these previous levies are nearly depleted, and a levy renewal is needed in order to sustain the technology program and to keep the promise to the community to fund facility maintenance.
| Collection Year | Amount | Tax Rate Per
$1000 of Assessed
Value | Cost for a
$500,000 Home |
| 2010* | $3,659,664 | $1.41 | $705 |
| 2011 | $3,670,000 | $1.41 | $705 |
| 2012 | $3,722,000 | $1.43 | $715 |
| 2013 | $3,860 ,000 | $1.45 | $725 |
| 2014 | $4,083,000 | $1.49 | $745 |
4. Why is the tax rate we are paying now lower than the approved tax rate?
No. The February ballot measure is a replacement levy to pay for day-to-day school operations. The capital facilities construction bond is a separate measure that will be on the ballot in November 2010.
5. What is NOT included in the Operations Levy?
Computer technology, preventive maintenance and major repairs will not be funded by the Operations Levy. These are all funded through the three-year Technology and Capital Maintenance Levy that was approved by voters in November 2009.
Major additions and renovations to the high school and other district facilities will also not be funded through the Operations Levy. The school board approved a capital facilities master plan that will go before voters in November 2010. If approved, this bond will pay for a new classroom building at Vashon Island High School and major renovations at all three schools.
6. Is this the right time to be asking the community for funding?
Vashon citizens have a long history of supporting school levies. The current operations levy is expiring in December 2010, which means the district must seek voter approval to renew it for another four years. Given the uncertainty of state funding, replacing this levy is more critical than ever for maintaining essential educational programs for Vashon children.
7. What about senior citizens on a fixed income?
Senior citizens (age 61+) and disabled individuals with a total annual income of under $35,000 may be eligible for a residential property tax exemption. Call the King County Department of Assessments: (206) 296-7300.
8. What happens if the replacement levy does not pass?
Without levy funds, VISD's operating budget would be reduced by approximately 20 percent. The district would be forced to make program reductions and adjustments in order to balance the budget. The loss of levy funding would have a devastating impact on students and educational programs. As one of the Island's largest employers, a failed levy would also have a dramatic impact on the local economy.
