Levy Committee Approves Proposal for Educational Programs & Operations Levy

The Levy Development Committee voted on Jan. 6 to approve the Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O) proposal, with a request that Superintendent Ron Thiele and administrators increase spending to the highest level possible on counselors and mental health services. The EP&O Levy would replace the existing measure, which will expire in 2022.

The committee includes more than 40 community members and staff representing elementary, middle and high schools from each area of the district. At a prior meeting in December, the committee also voted to approve the springboard proposal for a Transportation Levy, which would help pay for 64 replacement buses. The committee is still considering a proposal for a replacement Capital levy, which would help cover the costs of technology, critical repairs and construction shortfall due to inflation, pandemic-related costs and other factors.

Once the committee completes its work, Thiele will present a final levy package proposal to the School Board for their consideration. The Board will make the final determination about what measures they want to put before voters on the April 26 ballot.

To read more about the Levy Development Committee, visit our website. The group’s next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 18 on Zoom, and will be livestreamed on our YouTube Channel.