Kidmail Friendly 4204 Simple Majority Newsletter Article  
approved for Auburn

Sept.21st 2007
Comment on this webpage
4204 Tools

(You can "Copy" and "Paste" from this document into a Word document.   (The yellow background won't show up.))

 

Questions & Answers – EHJR 4204

 

How does Washington’s current school levy system work?  Currently, local school levies must receive both a 60% supermajority approval and meet the 40% validation requirement to pass.

 

What would EHJR 4204 do?  EHJR 4204 would amend the Washington State Constitution and would provide that a simple majority of voters (50% + 1) could authorize local school district levies.   The amendment also removes the 40% election validation requirement for levy elections.   It does NOT apply to school bond elections.   EHJR 4204 will be on the November 6th ballot.  

 

What do school levies pay for?  Local levies support school needs.   In our District, the levies help to support education programs and school operations such as teaching, school supplies, athletics, buildings and transportation.   Our levy pays for 18% percent of the District’s operating budget.

 

What happens if school levies don’t pass?   Some school levies have failed because they do not meet the supermajority requirement.   Levy failures can result in budget cuts, which require program cuts, staff and/or teacher layoffs, and other disruptions.   Elections cost money.   If school districts need to run a subsequent election for the same levy, it will take money away from educational programs.   It cost our District $80,000 to run the most recent levy election.

 

Do all types of levies require a supermajority to pass?  No, they do not.   Regular tax levies do not require supermajority approval.   Public hospital districts, metropolitan park districts, and other taxing jurisdictions can pass levies to operate hospitals, parks, and other facilities with a simple majority vote.   School districts are held to the supermajority standard to pass a local levy.  

 

Sept.21st 2007
Comment on this webpage
4204 Tools

This material may be used at will, but must be approved by your Superintendent or Principal before distributing via school facilities.   (Without modification, this is approved for use in Auburn)

If adapted for other districts, the "Our levy pays for 18%..." and "It cost our District" must be adjusted.