
Area resident Dick Rylander provides a look at the Battle Ground School District Capital Levy on the Feb. 13 special election ballot
Dick Rylander
for Clark County Today
On Friday (Jan. 26), ballots will be mailed out for the Feb. 13 special election, which includes a Capital Levy for the Battle Ground School District. The Pro/Con/Rebuttal statements can be read online at: Battle Ground School District Proposition No. 7.
This proposition would authorize the district to levy the following excess taxes, on all taxable property within the district, for making district-wide safety, facility and technology improvements (upgrading security, including cameras and entry controls; repairing roofs; improving heating/cooling; upgrading lighting and technology; creating learning spaces for construction trades, culinary, health sciences).
This is a new levy for Battle Ground. Previously the district has asked for (and received) approval from voters for a four-year EP&O Levy (Educational Programs and Operations) that totals about $115 million. Operations monies generally pay for ongoing wear and tear but can also be used to cover personnel compensation not provided by the state of Washington.
Proposition 7 is for a Capital Levy.
What’s the difference between an Operations levy and a Capital levy? The Capital levy money is intended for projects like roof replacement, HVAC, technology and similar longer term assets. An operations levy is intended for short term wear and tear and general operations expenses.
What’s the difference between a Levy, Capital Levy and a Capital Bond? Levy’s require a voter approval of 50 percent plus1 to pass. Capital Bonds are usually for 20-plus years and require a 60 percent voter approval to pass and are used for roofs, HVAC, new schools, remodeling and the like. Capital Levy’s are used for larger expenses but only need 50 percent plus 1 to pass.
The Battle Ground Capital Bond was paid off at the end of 2023. In its place, district officials are asking for this Capital Levy. This new Capital Levy totals $27.7 million and is for three years. At an assessed value of $600,000, the estimated cost to property owners would be about $264 (but the retired capital bond cost goes away).
There is no information regarding whether the district intends to continue this Capital Levy in the future or not. There is also no information as to whether the district will ask for a new Capital Bond in the future. The existing EP&O levy runs out in 2025.
If you are interested in how well students are performing, expenditures per student, enrollment trends, etc., the links below will help you investigate. The OSPI website: Washington State Report Card. An additional source from OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) supplied data can be found at: Battle Ground School District – The School Data Project.
Also read:
- Journey Theater to present six performances of AnnieJourney Theater presents six performances of the classic musical Annie at Fort Vancouver High School, opening February 28.
- CCSO equips patrol vehicles with innovative Grappler Police Bumper to enhance public safetyThe Clark County Sheriff’s Office has equipped 25 patrol vehicles with the innovative Grappler Police Bumper, enhancing public safety by safely stopping high-speed pursuits.
- Opinion: Will law concerning what parents can know about kids survive legislative challenge?Washington’s parental rights law, Initiative 2081, faces legislative challenges as lawmakers propose changes that could limit parental notification on student medical services.
- Rep. Kevin Waters bill to assist museums passes committeeRep. Kevin Waters’ bill to help museums manage unclaimed property moves forward, while two more bills addressing Washington lumber mills and education policies receive public hearings.
- Prairie High School drama presents ‘The Prom’Prairie High School’s drama program presents “The Prom,” a musical filled with humor, heart, and a message of love and acceptance.
- Rep. Stephanie McClintock’s bill to allow teens to work more hours during the school year receives committee approvalRep. Stephanie McClintock’s bill to expand work hours for teens during the school year moves forward with committee approval.
- Clark County League of Women Voters to sponsor nonpartisan candidate training March 8The Clark County League of Women Voters is hosting a nonpartisan training session for those interested in running for local office.