Make a diffence to Waitsburg schools, vote yes on the EP&O Levy

To the Editor

We will soon have the opportunity to once again show our support for the children and schools of our community. 

On Friday, January 26, ballots for the upcoming Special Election (February 13) will be mailed. On the ballot is the Waitsburg School District’s Education Programs and Operations Levy. 

A levy is a local property tax passed by the voters and generates revenues for the schools that are not part of “basic education” and are not fully funded by the state. This levy would replace our currently approved EP&O Levy, which expires in 2024. If approved, the levy funds will be used to support school programs that are not fully funded by the state: preschool, extra-curricular activities (such as athletics), transportation, technology, etc. 

When approved, the Waitsburg School District will be able to collect $761,325 in 2025 and $837,435 in 2026. The proposed levy rate of $2.50 per $1000 assessed value is the same as that passed two years ago in 2022.

As noted educator Spence Rogers would say, “Whatever it takes, our kids are worth it!” 

VOTE YES FOR SCHOOL LEVY! MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Carol Clarke

Waitsburg, Wash.