Be on the lookout for incoming ballots for the Feb. 12 special election, which will have two items on it: Proposition 1, an operations levy; and Proposition 2, a capital levy. Both levies are for the Seattle School District, which is the only jurisdiction participating in the special election.
Ballots must be postmarked by Feb. 12 or returned to one of seven ballot drop-off locations (the one in Ballard is in front of the Ballard Branch Library). You can find all sorts of info at http://www.kingcounty.gov/elections/currentelections/201302.aspx
For anyone who may have trouble completing their ballot, there are also two accessible voting centers (AVCs), one in Renton and one at Seattle Union Station. More info on those here.
Some info on the ballot measures, from King County Elections:
Proposition 1, Operations Levy
Seattle Public Schools is asking for voter approval of a $551.9 million levy of taxes over three years. Proposed levy would replace an expiring one.
Funds would go toward: 6th period classes at middle and high school levels; teachers and instructional assistants; textbooks and classroom supplies; bilingual and special education services; student transportation, security, maintenance and other operations; student activities, such as athletics, arts, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities; professional development and training.
The estimated levy rates per $1,000 of assessed value will range from $1.45 per one thousand for 2014 collections to $1.60 per one thousand for 2016 collections.
More info, including statements for and against, can be found here.
Proposition 2, Capital Levy
Seattle Public Schools requests voter approval of a capital levy of $694.9 million for the Building Excellence Program, Phase IV. The proposed levy will replace an expiring levy.
Passage of Proposition No. 2 would allow the levy of taxes over a six year period to pay for construction measures for earthquake and other safety projects at 37 schools, to construct, renovate, replace or make additions to 11 elementary schools, one middle school and one K-8 school, construction of building condition and infrastructure improvements and major preventive maintenance at 20 schools, and acquisition and installation of technology improvements and other capital improvements throughout the district to meet the current and future educational needs of its students. Such funds may be used only to support the construction, modernization, remodeling to school facilities or technology improvements and training.
The total amount to be collected will be $115,816,667 annually, to be collected in each of the six years commencing 2014 through 2019. The estimated levy rates per $1,000 of assessed value will range from $1.00 per one thousand for 2014 collections to $0.82 per one thousand for 2019 collections. The exact levy rate will be adjusted based upon the actual assessed value of the property within the District at the time of the levy.
More info can be found here.
Follow Ballard News-Tribune on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ballardnewstrib
And Twitter at http://twitter.com/ballardnewstrib
