1. What does the levy pay for?
The levy pays for basics not fully funded by the state, such as personnel, bus transportation, textbooks, and maintaining safe and healthy schools. About 80% of the levy pays for teachers and other staff. Levy funding makes up about one-fourth of the district’s operating budget.
Of every levy dollar, roughly:
- 70 cents pays for teacher and staff salaries and benefits.
- 12 cents pays for special education.
- 12 cents pays for instructional materials.
- 6 cents pays for bus transportation.
2. How much money will the levy raise for schools?
The levy would raise a set amount each year for four years. The table below shows the amount raised by the levy each year and an estimated tax rate. The tax rate will be adjusted as property values change in order to allow the district to collect the exact amount approved by voters-and no more.
Year: 2012
Amount collected: $46 million
Estimated rate/$1000 assessed home valuation: $3.44
Year 2013
Amount collected: $46 million
Estimated rate/$1000 assessed home valuation: $3.44
Year 2014
Amount collected: $47 million
Estimated rate/$1000 assessed home valuation: $3.44
Year 2015
Amount collected: $49 million
Estimated rate/$1000 assessed home valuation: $3.52
3. What happens if property rates increase?
If property rates go up, the tax rate is adjusted downward. The school district does not collect more revenue as property values increase.
4. Is this a tax increase?
This levy replaces a levy that is expiring, so it is not a new tax. The amount the district would collect under the new levy is slightly more than before. When the legislature cut state funding for schools last session, it gave districts permission to ask for a small increase from local voters. However, the increase will only make up for a fraction of the state cuts. The new levy would cost the average Highline homeowner about $14 more per month.
5. How will this tax impact senior citizens?
Low income seniors and people with disabilities may qualify for an exemption. To apply for this exemption, call the King County Tax Exemptions Office at 206-296-3920 or go to www.metrokc.gov/assessor.
6. Where can I vote?
This election is mail-only. Ballots will arrive in voters’ mailboxes around January 19. Completed ballots must be postmarked on or before February 8.
7. What is the difference between a school bond and a school levy?
Bonds are for building. Levies are for learning. Levies raise funds for school district operations, such as teachers, athletics and activities, and support services. When voters approve a levy, they are agreeing to pay taxes to fund these services. Bonds are pay for capital facilities needs. Voters approve a measure allowing the school district to borrow money for facilities improvements. The district issues bonds to raise the money up front. Similar to a home mortgage, the district repays the money (plus interest) in installments over time. Bond dollars can only be used for capital improvements.
8. Why has the school district continued to build schools when operating funds are so tight?
Voters approved a bond for school construction in 2006, and the district is committed - and is legally obligated-to spend that money only on the construction projects approved by voters. By law, the district cannot tap the capital budget for operating expenses.
Via Highline Public Schools Website
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