- Bethel School District
- 2022 Levy Renewals
Bond Updates
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Bond Projects
- Katherine G. Johnson Elementary (2022)
- Challenger High School Phase II (2022)
- Graham-Kapowsin High School Expansion (2023)
- New Naches Trail Elementary (2023)
- Elementary School #19 (2024)
- Evergreen Elementary Expansion (2025)
- New Bethel High School (2025)
- Elk Plain K-8 Improvements (2025)
- BMS & Roy Elementary Kitchen Update (2025)
- Cedarcrest Middle School (Renovate and Expand 2026)
- Bethel High School - Renovate (2028)
Overview
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Bethel's Educational Programs and Operations Levy and the Technology Levy have both been officially endorsed by:
- 2nd Legislative District (Democrats)
- Bethel Area Council (PTAs)
- Bethel Education Association (Teachers’ Union)
- Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland
- Fredrickson Business Association
- Graham Business Association
- Public School Employees (Classified Union)
- Rotary Club of Parkland-Spanaway
- South Pierce County Kiwanis Club
- Spanaway Lions Club
- Tacoma Pierce County Realtors
- United Way of Pierce County
ELECTION DAY IS APRIL 26!
In the wake of our double levy failure in February, the School Board has authorized both levy renewals to rerun in the April 26th Special Election. This is the last election available before the end of the school year and will allow us to plan accordingly for the 2022-23 budget.
If the levy renewals fail again, the district will have to cut $30 million from its budget for this fall, and an additional $20 million in 2023.
98% of the Educational Programs and Operations Levy goes toward staffing, which means hundreds of jobs could be cut if the levy fails.
The importance of these measures cannot be understated. If the levy renewals fail again, the following areas will be directly impacted:
Athletics/Activities (Eliminated)
All athletics and activities for students would be cut, including clubs, concerts, dances, performances, plays, and sports.Elementary Schools (Reductions)
- Teachers (reductions would result in larger class sizes)
- Specialists
- Classified support
- School administrators
Elementary band and orchestra would be eliminated.
Middle and High Schools (Reductions)
- Teachers (reductions would result in class sizes of 33-34 kids per class)
- Library staff
- Counseling / social worker services
- Classified support staff
- School administrators
Smaller classes would be eliminated. Examples include intervention classes at middle schools and small-sized AP classes.
Safety and Security (Reductions)
- Campus safety positions
- The district currently employs five Pierce County Deputies as SROs. We would reduce that number to only two or three.
Transportation (Reductions)
One scenario the School Board discussed was:- Elementary students living within a half mile of their schools would have to walk.
- Secondary students living within one mile of their schools would have to walk.
Other Programs (Reductions)
- District Administration
- Community outreach
- Highly Capable programs
- Multilingual education
Technology (Reductions)
- Computers/iPads for students and staff
- Network and infrastructure districtwide
School districts can only put levies before the voters twice per calendar year. If the levy renewals fail again in April, they won’t be able to be voted on again until February 2023, making layoffs inevitable.
Please note: Both of these levies are renewals. They are NOT new taxes.
EP&O Levy
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Educational Programs and Operations Levy
Chief Financial Officer Bryan Verley did a fantastic job of explaining the levies and what they fund at a recent School Board meeting.
“We spend more than the state gives us because it’s really a minimal amount that the state gives us. It’s a bare bones model,” Verley said. “(The levy) allows us to have smaller classes. It allows us to have safer schools, cleaner schools, and offer many more programs than if we only got the state's basic education funding.”
Click on the image below to watch Verley’s entire presentation to the Board.
COST
The estimated property tax rates per $1,000 assessed valuation for the Educational Programs and Operations Levy are:
$2.17 in 2023
$2.17 in 2024
$2.17 in 2025
$2.17 in 2026
Tech Levy
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Technology Levy
When Bethel voters first approved a Technology Levy seven years ago to give every student in the district access to a personal iPad, they weren’t thinking about a global pandemic that would one day force us out of classrooms and into a new world of distance learning.
The levy was meant to help prepare Bethel students for the future by putting them into technology-rich classrooms and giving them the most advanced educational tools available. The 1:1 iPad program has succeeded in all the ways our voters had hoped it would, but it has also succeeded in ways no one could have imagined.
Because our students were already comfortable using their iPads — and because our teachers had already received years of professional development training with the tablets — our district had a distinct advantage when COVID-19 forced school closures throughout the country.
While other districts struggled to find devices for all of their students, Bethel students were able to seamlessly move to distance learning with the same iPads they had used all year. The 1:1 program allowed our students and teachers to focus on the curriculum rather than learning how to use a new device.
Using the iPads in classrooms has improved our students’ technological literacy, enhanced their creativity, and leveled the playing field for children of all socioeconomic backgrounds. The devices haven’t replaced teachers by a long shot, but they have been an incredibly useful tool in our teachers’ toolboxes.
We rightfully praise the resilience of our students and tenacity of our teachers during these tough times, but we must also thank our voters for their foresight, their generosity, and their continued contribution to the students of Bethel.
COST
The estimated property tax rates per $1,000 assessed valuation for the Technology Levy are:
$0.31 in 2023
$0.31 in 2024
$0.31 in 2025
$0.31 in 2026
Media
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STEAM Program at Katherine G. Johnson Elementary
This video captures the spirit of the STEAM program at Katherine G. Johnson Elementary School.
"I had to learn how to walk again"
Director Terrance M. Mayers Sr. recounts a harrowing tale from his childhood and discusses the importance of levy-funded transportation for our district. Our school district covers 202 square miles of Pierce County. Because only 9% of our roads have sidewalks, we use levy dollars to enrich our transportation for students, allowing us to transport more students to school beyond what the state funds. A levy loss in April could result in some students not having bus transportation as early as this fall.
Meet Bethel's Title/LAP Team!
Bethel's Title/LAP Team talks about how they support students and staff in this short video.
Faith Leaders Meeting: Levy 2022
Bethel community faith leaders met in person for the first time in two years to discuss the upcoming levy renewal election. During the meeting, they heard from student speakers and performers representing each of our comprehensive high schools.
Building leaders on the field
Athletics are about so much more than the game being played. Through sports, our students learn valuable life lessons about teamwork, overcoming adversity, time management, and leadership. But did you know school athletics wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our voters? Many of our district’s extracurricular activities, including sports, are funded through the Educational Programs & Operations Levy.
Music Education in Bethel
Our music educators are responsible for teaching their students to read sheet music and hit the correct notes, but their most important lessons transcend music altogether.
"It was the arts that saved my life"
School Board Director Marcus Young Sr. speaks about the impact school choir had on his life and the importance of levy-funded music education in our schools.
Coding Dance Party
Student Centered Engaged Learning at Evergreen Elementary. Students at Evergreen learn coding!
A failed levy will mean less safety and security personnel
School Board Director Brenda Rogers considers the safety and security implications of a levy failure in April (from 3-15-22 School Board Study Session)
Steam in Action with Stop Motion
Students at Katherine G Johnson Elementary create stop motion videos on their iPads.
School Board Study Session 3-15-22
Touch boards in Kindergarten at Katherine G. Johnson Elementary
KGJ’s Structure Program using the touch boards. This video shows students in Katherine G. Johnson Elementary's Structure program using the new touch board in their classroom. Teacher is Steven Hakansson.
Bethel Superintendent details staff reductions if levy renewals fail
Superintendent Tom Seigel discusses proposed cuts to programs and staff if two levy renewals fail in the April 26 Special Election (from 3-8-22 School Board Meeting).
Levy Presentation (from 2-22-22 School Board Meeting)
Bryan Verley, Chief Financial Officer, discusses what the Educational Programs and Operations Levy pays for, and what cuts would have to be made if voters reject it for the second time in April.
School Board Director speaks out about the renewal levies
School Board Director Roseanna Camacho speaks about the renewal levies (from 3-8-22 School Board meeting)
Choir Festival 2022
While COVID kept us from holding our annual Choral Festival at Pacific Lutheran University this year, it didn’t stop our amazing choir students from showcasing their talents. This year's festival was held last week at Graham-Kapowsin High School. All of our middle and high school choirs came together for a special day of singing and bonding with their fellow musicians.
Superintendent Seigel talks Levy funding (from 2-22-22 School Board Meeting)
Superintendent Tom Seigel talks about what levy dollars fund.
FAQ
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Didn’t we just approve these levies in February?
While these same two levy renewals were on the ballot in February 2022, they both failed to get the 50%+1 simple majority needed to pass. Because of the importance of this funding to our school’s day-to-day operations, the School Board decided to rerun the election in April. This is the last election available before the end of the school year and will allow us to plan accordingly for the 2022-23 budget. If both levy renewals fail again, the district will need to cut $50 million from its budget starting this Fall.February 2022 Special Election Results
Proposition No. 1: Educational Programs and Operations Levy
Yes: 7,797 (43.93%)
No: 9,953 (56.07%)Proposition No. 2: Technology Levy
Yes: 8,338 (46.81%)
No: 9,476 (53.19%)If the levy renewals fail in April, won’t the district just rerun them in August?
No. School districts can only put levies before the voters twice per calendar year. If the levy renewals fail again in April, the levies won’t be able to go before the voters until 2023, making layoffs and cuts to programs inevitable for this fall.What happens if the Educational Programs & Operations Levy doesn’t pass?
Imagine if your home budget was cut by 19%. Without the EP&O Levy, major cuts would have to be made. Since 83% of our overall budget pays for staff (teachers, bus drivers, etc.), that would mean having to cut positions, which would directly impact students. The EP&O Levy also pays for 100% of extracurricular activities, including sports.How often are the EP&O Levy and the Technology Levy renewed?
Every four years.Do levies require a supermajority to pass?
Unlike bonds, which require a 60% supermajority to pass, levies only require a simple majority of 50%+1 in order to pass. From 1932 to 2007, school levies required a 60% supermajority to pass. The School Levy rate reverted back to 50%. This constitutional change required ⅔ approval in both the House and Senate before it went before voters, where it only needed to be passed by a simple majority.If passed, what will the levy rate be?
The current EP&O Levy rate is $2.17 per $1,000 of assessed value (AV). Our goal is to keep the Levy rate at $2.17, using very conservative assessed value growth rates, for the next four years. If the assessed values grow faster than our estimated increases, then the rate per $1,000 of assessed value will actually decrease.This $2.17 is actually a lower rate than the $2.50 per $1,000 maximum that is currently allowed in the state – which many districts are currently collecting.
The levy rate for the Technology levy will be $0.31 per $1,000 of assessed value. This is the same rate we are collecting now..
What’s the difference between a bond and a levy?
The easiest way to remember the difference between a bond and a levy is that bonds are for building and levies are for learning. A bond provides funding for capital projects such as purchasing property for schools, constructing new schools, or modernizing existing schools. Bonds are sold to investors who are repaid with interest over time from property tax collections, generally between 10-25 years. Bonds require a supermajority to pass (60%) A levy is a short-term, local property tax passed by the voters of a school district that generates revenue for the district to fund programs and services that the state does not fund or fully fund as part of “basic education.” Levies require a simple majority to pass (50% + 1).What does the levy fund in terms of health, safety and security in the district?
The Educational Programs and Operations Levy is vital to the health and safety of our staff and students. The number of state-funded positions are listed below, along with the number of positions we actually have in our district. Please keep in mind, these positions support 20,000 students in our district.Position
State funded
Bethel employs
Nurses
2.9
15
Social Workers
1.2
22
Safety personnel
3.5
18
Bethel also employs five Sheriff’s Department Deputies as SROs for our district. These positions are also not covered by the state.
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How much does the district spend on administrative overhead?
According to this chart produced by the Puyallup School District during their recent levy campaign, Bethel has the lowest administrative spending in the region.Why do school superintendents make so much money?
Without thinking of the job it entails, superintendent salaries might seem high to some. But think of the job these men and women do on a daily basis. Let’s look at Bethel specifically.Bethel’s Superintendent is in charge of the following:
- 20,000 students
- 3,000 employees
- 227 school buses (for reference, Pierce Transit has 155 buses)
- He is also in charge of the biggest "restaurant" in the area. Our Child Nutrition Department serves 15,000 meals a day.
Bethel is the 16th biggest school district in Washington state. Our Superintendent is the 25th highest paid superintendent in the state. Looking closer at this comparison document from the state, you’ll see our surrounding districts pay their superintendents more: Tacoma is the 11th highest paid, and Puyallup is the 13th.
How much do School Board members make?
School board members do not receive a salary but they do receive a stipend of $50 per day worked, with a maximum of $4,800 per year. In the budget, you will notice there is an expenditure line item for the Board that is above this maximum amount. That reflects the School Board’s budget, which is used for such items as expenditures for accreditations, audits, elections, legal services, memberships, census, and, as provided by RCW 36.70.015 for regional planning.When was the last time the district was audited?
By law, all public school districts are audited annually. You can read the state audit reports here: https://sao.wa.gov/. You can learn more about our district’s budget at: https://www.bethelsd.org/Page/785. -
Does Bethel get extra "Regionalization" money from the state?
No. Unlike our neighboring districts, who see 6-12% extra in regionalization money from the state, Bethel gets no regionalization money.Doesn't the lottery help pay for schools?
Other than a small portion that is allocated to the state’s General Fund, none of Washington’s lottery revenue is used for K-12 public education. The state’s lottery revenue helps fund higher education, but not K-12 education. Many people falsely believe the lottery funds K-12 education because, for a time, it did. In the year 2000, Washington lawmakers passed Initiative 728, which redirected lottery revenue to K-12 school funding. That funding went away in 2009 when the state redirected lottery dollars back to the general fund. Currently, the state allocates lottery dollars to the Opportunity Pathways Account, which funds higher education. (Source: KUOW)What portion of Washington’s legal marijuana revenue is dedicated public schools?
Washington pulls in more than a billion dollars in pot taxes and none of that money is specifically earmarked to pay for public schools. (Source: Crosscut)Won't the impact fees from all of the new homes being built in our area be enough?
Unfortunately, no. Impact fees are charged at time of the building permit (so only new housing). The fee goes up very minimally each year based on the consumer index. This year, the fee per new house is $3,577 for a single family home and $1,886 for multi-family. The fee represents approximately 1/3 of the true cost to house a new student ($10,369). The District uses impact fees to purchase and place portable classrooms.Doesn’t the state fully fund public education?
House Bill 2242 was not meant to stop bonds and levies, and actually includes a provision for districts to collect levies. That's because while it was a step in the right direction, anyone will tell you that the Bill was not a complete fix to fund K-12 education. Bethel, like every other district, has unique situations regarding local programs that are important to our students. So while we use our local levy to fund Special Education programs and extra transportation costs, that might be different in other districts. The local levies allow local control.How much money does Bethel get from the Federal Government and how is it spent?
In 2021-22, revenue from the Federal government made up 13% of the district's budget. That 13% included the ESSER funds. In a normal year, the Federal revenue we receive typically amounts to 7% of our budget. Keep in mind, all Federal dollars have restrictions on them for the way they can be spent. Examples include money for Special Education, Child Nutrition services, and Title programs.How did we use our Federal COVID funds?
Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding was aimed at helping school districts nationwide mitigate the impacts and recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress sent one-time federal funding to school districts to use for immediate, short-term needs for health and safety improvements, learning enhancements, and other programs that help students get back on track with their learning. There are restrictions on how these funds can be spent, and they are not for ongoing expenses. -
Is there a tax break for senior citizens or those with disabilities?
Senior citizens and people with disabilities who meet certain income requirements may be exempt from part or all of these local property taxes. To learn more, please call the Pierce County Assessor’s Exemption Hotline at 253-798-2169 or visit www.co.pierce.wa.us/702/Senior-Citizens-Or-Disabled-Persons.How will home value fluctuations impact my portion of the levy?
When voters approve a levy, they approve a specific dollar amount the district can collect. That amount does not change, even if your property value increases.
If property values in the district rise, the tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation will decline, as the total amount of taxes collected remains the same.
Tax rates also go down when new residential and commercial property is built in the district. Those new property owners help share the payments, reducing the amount residents have to pay. For example, if the district had only four residents, all with homes of the same value, and needed to raise a dollar, it would ask each resident for 25 cents. But if another house was built, it would only need 20 cents from each of the five residents to raise the dollar.
For more information on school levies and property values, watch this short video.
What is the Timber Excise tax?
As part of the levy, the state puts a value on everything in our district including the timber and forest lands. This is governed by chapter 84.33 RCW and chapter 84.34 RCW. Timber lands are valued at their “current use” rather than “true and fair value” for property tax purposes. The amount depends on the district’s levy rate as well as the district’s timber assessed value and the actual amount of timber excise taxes collected. If the levy renewals don’t pass in April, we will not be able to collect this money.How much will the levy renewals cost me?We get a lot of questions and comments about the levy and what it will cost individual homeowners. The good news is that there's a quick formula* you can use for a good estimate.Please remember ... these levies are not new taxes. Taxpayers are currently paying them at the same rate the renewals will be at. Local levies are one way our state funds K-12 education. If the levies are not renewed in April, our district will lose $50 million. Learn more at bethelsd.org/levy2022.Formula:Your house value divided by 1,000Multiplied by 2.48Divided by 12Example:My home value is 350,000 divided by 1,000 = 350350 X 2.48 = 868.00Divided by 12 = 72.00 a month from my real estate tax goes to school levies.*This formula uses the district's estimate of total Assessed Value of $18.844 Billion. If the AV comes in higher, the rate is actually a little lower, and conversely if AV comes in a little lower, then the rate will be a little higher.What is the district’s assessed property value?
In 2018 the total assessed value of all property in the Bethel school district was $11,230,030,014. The current value is $18,009,170,258, which is a significant 60% increase.Where can I see the history of the district tax rates? -
How do I vote?
Our state makes it very easy to vote. The first thing you need to do is register. You can register online or by mail until 8 days before an election, or in-person through Election day. Once you have registered, you will receive a paper ballot in the mail in advance of any election. You can vote and return your ballot as soon as you receive it. You can return your ballot by mail or to a ballot drop box, and no stamp is required. Ballots must be postmarked or returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Watch this informative video to learn more.Where can I get a replacement ballot?
Didn't receive your ballot or need a new one? Call 253-798-VOTE (8683) for assistance. Or, visit https://www.piercecountywa.gov/6550/Request-Replacement- Ballot If I rent a home, can I still vote?
Renters have the same voting rights as homeowners. Voters do not need to own their home or apartment, they just need to be registered to vote.Do levies require a supermajority to pass?
Unlike bonds, which require a 60% supermajority to pass, levies only require a simple majority of 50%+1 in order to pass. From 1932 to 2007, school levies required a 60% supermajority to pass. The School Levy rate reverted back to 50%. This constitutional change required ⅔ approval in both the House and Senate before it went before voters, where it only needed to be passed by a simple majority.Where can I see the official Pierce County Voters Pamphlet for this Election? -
Will students be required to get COVID-19 vaccines this fall?
The State Board of Health, which determines immunization requirements for students in all of Washington’s K–12 schools, voted on April 13, 2022, to not require Washington’s students be vaccinated against COVID-19 for school attendance. This means this fall, immunization requirements for our students will remain unchanged.
We are anticipating the current health and safety guidance from the state Department of Health will remain in place next fall. This includes encouraging––but not requiring––masks, regular cleaning and disinfecting, sharing reminders of proper hand hygiene, and physical distancing to the extent possible while ensuring a full- time in-person opportunity for all students. As a reminder, as we have learned throughout the pandemic, the situation with the virus can evolve and sometimes the guidance changes for us to continue providing the safest learning environment possible for our school community.
With no mask or vaccine requirements for students, we continue to encourage students and families to get vaccinated to protect against COVID-19. Widespread vaccination is one of the most effective strategies we have to reduce the spread of the virus.
You can find more information on required immunizations for school by clicking here.
What does the average home cost in Bethel?
The current average Single Family Residence (SFR) Assessed Value (AV) within the Bethel school district boundaries is $412,810. The average AV from all property types (Vacant, Multi, SFR, Townhouse, Mobile Home) is $394,687.How many residents live in the Bethel School District?
124,411Why has construction of the new Bethel High School been delayed?
The original timeline for opening the new Bethel High was September 2023. But changes to the Pierce County Stormwater regulations in 2021 have delayed the opening until 2024 or 2025. The updates to the Pierce County Stormwater Manual’s regulations have resulted in development standards that are different from when the District purchased the property in 2009. These include more stringent threshold methodologies to determine if the site’s stormwater could impact a “Category 1 Wetland,” which is located in the southeast corner of the new Bethel High School site. Updates to all of our 2019 bond projects can be found at bethelsd.org/bond.Why does the district own Chevy Tahoes?
The district owns several smaller vehicles, like Chevy Tahoes, for use in a variety of scenarios. Small traveling teams can use them for going to games when a large bus is not required. Our JROTC teams use the vehicles frequently. These vehicles also help with the current bus driver shortage as they don't require a CDL, are easier to operate, and seat just as many as vans do. Staff can also use the vehicles for carpooling to attend trainings, which saves money on gas and mileage. The vehicles are also used when checking the roads during inclement weather. This helps reduce the liability for that process. As to why the district purchased Tahoes specifically, we were looking at purchasing vans and we were able to get a better deal on the Tahoes.
Social Media Toolkit
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Levy Posts
About the Levy
On April 26th, our district will have two levies up for renewal. Our Educational Programs and Operations Levy pays for approximately 19% of our budget and helps fund critical things like special education programs and extra transportation costs. Our Technology Levy has improved our students’ technological literacy, enhanced their creativity, and leveled the playing field for children of all socioeconomic backgrounds. You can learn more and register to vote at bethelsd.org/levy2022
On April 26, our district will have two levies on the ballot for renewal. These levy dollars are separate from the 2019 School Construction Bond that is funding new schools and renovations in our district. Our Educational Programs and Operations Levy pays for approximately 19% of our district’s basic education programs. It was last renewed in 2018. It helps pay for critical things like special education programs, extra transportation costs and athletics — items the state does not fully fund. Our Technology Levy, which was first passed in 2014 and last renewed in 2018, funds our iPad program that helped our district transition quickly to online learning during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn much, much more about the levies here: https://www.bethelsd.org/levy2022
Athletics
Athletics are about so much more than the games being played. Through sports, our students learn valuable life lessons about teamwork, overcoming adversity, time management, and leadership. But did you know school athletics wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our voters? Many of our district’s extracurricular activities, including sports, are funded through the Educational Programs & Operations Levy. In April we will have the chance to vote again on two levy renewals that failed in February. If they fail again, ALL district sports and extracurricular activities will be cut. https://youtu.be/HUTPS9UzMpc
Levy Failure
Bethel is the only school district in Pierce County that didn’t pass a levy renewal in February. Levies are not for “extras,” levies are one way schools are funded in Washington state. Our Educational Programs and Operations Levy covers approximately 19% of our district’s basic education programs. You can learn more about the levy renewals and what programs will be eliminated if they don’t pass at: https://www.bethelsd.org/levy2022
In the wake of our double levy failure in February, the School Board has authorized both levy renewals to rerun in the April 26th Special Election. This is the last election available before the end of the school year and will allow us to plan accordingly for the 2022-23 budget.
If the levy renewals fail in April, the district will have to cut $30 million from its budget for this fall, and an additional $20 million in 2023. 98% of the Educational Programs and Operations Levy goes toward staffing, which means hundreds of jobs could be cut if the levy fails.
School districts can only put levies before the voters twice per calendar year. If the levy renewals fail again in April, they won’t be able to be voted on again until February 2023, making layoffs and cuts to programs inevitable.
When you're one of the only school districts in the state unable to pass a school levy, the news media takes notice. KOMO TV made two trips to our district to report on our recent levy failures and what our schools will look like if the levy renewals fail a second time in April. https://komonews.com/news/local/bethel-school-district-says-they-could-make-major-budget-cuts-if-levies-arent-approved
Voting Information
Only 15% of residents with students attending our schools voted. This means the voters with the most to lose, did not make their voices heard. If you live in the area, YOUR voice should be part of the decisions made about our community. The results of local elections impact us directly every single day. And the results of the April Special Election will directly impact our schools and the students we serve. https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/register.aspx
Are you registered to vote? April 18 is the deadline to register to vote online and by mail. Residents can register to vote in-person up to and including on Election Day at the Pierce County Election Center, located at 2501 South 35th Street, Suite C, in Tacoma. Register today at https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/register.aspx
Pierce County has notified us that the only ballot boxes open for the April 26th election will be the following: Graham Fire and Rescue, Graham Library, Parkland/Spanaway Library, Pierce County Annex, Roy Y Park and Ride, Roy City Hall, South Hill Library, and the Summit Library.
In the wake of our double levy failure in February, the School Board has authorized both levy renewals to rerun in the April 26th Special Election. This is the last election available before the end of the school year and will allow us to plan accordingly for the 2022-23 budget. If the levy renewals fail again, the district will have to cut $30 million from its budget for this fall, and an additional $20 million in 2023.
About the Levy
The importance of these levy renewals cannot be understated. Please note: Both of these levies are renewals. They are NOT new taxes. If the levy renewals fail again, the following areas will be directly impacted:
- Administration
- Athletics
- Clubs
- Class sizes
- Community projects
- Extracurricular activities
- Health and safety
- Highly Capable programs
- iPads
- Multilingual education
- Music Education
- Security
- Support for our most struggling learners
- Teaching and Learning
- Technology support in schools
- Transportation
The levy renewals allow us to have smaller classes, safer schools, cleaner schools, and offer many more programs than if we only got the state's basic education funding.
MisinformationIf you've spent any time on social media, you know that misinformation and myths run rampant. It's hard to know what's true and what's not. We want to help you with that. If you visit our Levy FAQ page at bethelsd.org/levy2022 you’ll find answers to some of the questions we’ve been getting about the two levy renewals.
School Board Director Roseanna Camacho recently made a passionate plea to the community to leave politics aside when they were making decisions about local school funding: https://youtu.be/PK5WfLjgsCM
Add to that a third, and probably the most critical problem: Only 15% of residents with students in our schools voted. This means the voters with the most to lose did not make their voices heard. If you are not registered to vote, register today! Your voice deserves to be part of the decisions made about your community. The results of local elections impact us directly every single day. https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/register.aspx
What will be cut
Listed below are just SOME of the reductions and cuts we’ll see in our district if the April levy renewals fail to get a simple majority (50%+1) approval from voters. You can find the full list by clicking here.
- Eliminated
- Clubs
- Concerts
- Elementary band and orchestra
- Sports
- Reduced/Limited
- District administration
- Building administrators
- Teachers, resulting in increased class sizes
- Support staff
- Counseling and social worker services
- Campus safety positions
- SROs
- Bus transportation
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Levy Graphics
PNGs to Share
Skin in the game - Rosanna Comacho
Fear Mongoring - Rosanna Comacho
These decisions have to be made - Marcus Young
It's simple math - Marcus Young
Bonds are for buildings, Levies are for learning
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Media Links
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Conference Week Flyers
Vote
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Online and mail registrations must be received 8 days before Election Day. Residents can register to vote in-person up to and including on Election Day at the Pierce County Election Center, located at 2501 South 35th Street, Suite C, in Tacoma.
April 8: Ballots are mailed out.April 18: Deadline to register to vote online and by mail.April 19 - 26: Register to Vote in person at Pierce County Annex (2401 S 35th St #200, Tacoma, WA 98409)April 26: Election Day ballots must be returned by 8pm.May 6: County Certification.Pierce County has notified us that the only ballot boxes open for the April 26th election will be the following:
Graham Fire and Rescue
10012 187th St E
Puyallup, WA 98375Graham Library
9202 224th St E
Graham, WA 98338Parkland/Spanaway Library
13718 Pacific Ave S
Tacoma, WA 98444Pierce County Annex
2401 S 35th St #200
Tacoma, WA 98409Roy Y Park and Ride
507 & Pacific Ave S
Spanaway, WA 98387Roy City Hall
216 McNaught Rd S
Roy, WA 98580South Hill Library
15420 Meridian Ave E
Puyallup, WA 98374Summit Library
5107-5287
112th St E, Puyallup, WA 98372More voter information about the February Election can be found on the Pierce County Elections website.