On February 9, 2010, Bethel voters will be asked to renew an expiring School Programs & Operations Levy. The Levy is a continuation of existing local funding for schools. It is NOT a new tax.

Download the Levy FAQ here

Download a Levy PowerPoint presentation here (as a pdf)

Why is the Levy important?
The Levy makes up nearly one-fifth of the district’s total operating budget.  Without it, the district will lose about $30 million in funding each year. 
Levy dollars are used to support student learning, activities and transportation. These funds help maintain lower class sizes and provide a quality learning experience for students.

The Levy pays for:

• Teachers, textbooks and classroom support
• Transportation (including activity buses)
• Extracurricular activities (music, sports, drama, etc.)
• Security and campus safety
• School nurses, librarians and counselors
• Educational technology, computers and student records
• Grounds, maintenance and custodial services
• Utilities and Insurance
• …and more!

What is the school board proposing?  
Recently, the Bethel School Board passed a resolution calling for a replacement of the current School Programs & Operations Levy. If approved, the proposal would authorize the district to collect $29.9 million in 2011, $30.5 million in 2012, $31.1 million in 2013 and $31.7 million in 2014 to help maintain basic learning services. The estimated maximum tax rate is $3.18 per thousand of assessed property value, which is the same rate approved by voters in 2006.  

Bonds vs. Levies
The Bethel School Board is asking voters to renew of an expiring School Programs & Operations Levy. There are no plans to run a school construction bond at this time.

By law, money approved for bond construction projects can not be used to fund basic education or
operational needs. 

A simple way to remember is:
    B is Buildings and Bonds
    L is for Learning and Levies

Accomplishments of the 2006 School Programs & Operations Levy:

• Bethel is the most improved school district of its size in the State
• Graduation rates are above surrounding districts and the State average
• Improved technology for schools
• Safe transportation of 13,000 students daily
• New curriculum & textbooks
• Expanded opportunities for student learning

Accomplishments of the 2006 School Construction Bond:

Opened three new school campuses in 2009

• Liberty Junior High
• Nelson & Frederickson Elementary Schools

And, more is on the way:

• Spanaway Lake HS - modernization (2010)
• Pierce County Skills Center (2010)
• District Kitchen/Transportation Center (2010/11)
• Bethel Community Center (2011)
• Spanaway Elementary- replacement (2011)
• Clover Creek Elementary- replacement (2012)
• Shining Mountain Elementary- modernization (2012)