Orcas, Lopez to decide fate to school levies

Orcas voters will decide on a two-year maintenance and operations levy that, if approved, will provide the district with between 20 and 24 percent of the total amount of school revenues projected for each year.

School board member Scott Lancaster, who is heading up the committee to get a "yes" vote on the levy, says it will be a major disaster for the school if it is defeated. Even if the levy passes, the district is facing the possibility of having to cut out a principal and/or three teachers to bring the school's reserve fund to acceptable levels. If the levy fails, the cuts will be far more serious, Lancaster said.

If the levy passes, the school will be able to keep classes small, supplement special education instruction, provide health screenings for elementary school students, and pay for extra-curricular activities, basics like utilities and insurance, textbooks and classroom supplies, and facility improvements and upgrades.

To pass, the levy will need a 60 percent "yes" vote, plus a turnout of at least 40 percent of the voters who cast ballots in the general election last November.

This is a vote-by mail. Ballots must be postmarked by Feb. 7.

Orcas school levy

Year Tax Amount

2007 $.58 $1,001,007

2008 $.60 $1,051,000

Lopez voters to consider three levies

Lopez voters are now weighing not one, not two, but three levies submitted by the local school.

The biggest levy, for maintenance and operations, will enable the district to cover 24 percent of the school's operating budget. The rest of the money comes from the state. Without it, the school would have to make major cuts in its basic program.

A second levy will allow the district to replace two 20-year-old school buses with new ones that contain additional safety features. The purchases will also place the school on the state's depreciation schedule, and thus make it eligible to receive state funding for the new buses.

The third levy is intended to correct a problem with the foundation that is causing the west side of the middle and high school building to sink. Superintendent Bill Evans said the problem could cause both health and safety problems unless the matter is addressed. The district hopes to make the necessary repairs this summer and complete them in time for the opening of school in the fall.

School officials and members of a levy committee are urging a "yes" vote on all three levies, and not just because all are needed. "It's symbolic," said levy committee member Jeff Nichols. "A positive vote will reflect well on the community, because it's respecting the good work that has gone on at the school. Superintendent Bill Evans agreed. "I look at this as an affirmation for the school. We want to maximize turnout as a vote of confidence," he said.

This is a vote-by mail. Ballots must be postmarked by Feb. 7.

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