At the primary election on Aug. 4, voters in the Orcas Island School District will be asked to consider reauthorizing the Education Programs and Operations Levy (formerly the Maintenance and Operations Levy) for the years 2021-2024. This levy provides nearly 20 percent of the district’s annual budget.

The basic education funding provided by the State of Washington provides for a limited number of teachers, staff, and educational programs. Local levies like the Education Program and Operations Levy bridge the gap in the state’s funding of education. Funds from this levy will fund one in five teachers, one in five paraeducators, office staff, bus drivers, maintenance staff, cafeteria staff, custodians, and programs such as the library, music, Farm to Classroom, district garden, athletics, and maintenance.

Voters will be asked to consider a four-year renewal levy of $0.87 per $1,000 assessed value, an approximate annual cost of $435 for a home assessed at $500,000. The new proposed rate is less than the current levy rate and will not increase after it is placed. The passage of this levy will help fund our outstanding programs and class offerings and continue to deliver a first-rate education supported by all of our teachers and classified staff. More information on the levy can be found at orcasislandschools.org.

Eric Webb, Superintendent

Orcas Island