Let’s dig a little deeper into the upcoming replacement levy for the Peninsula School District. The key word here is ‘Replacement’. This levy is not a new tax, but renews the expiring levy approved by voters in February 2009. Yes, there will be a slight increase in the rate and I will pay this gladly. I have no children but strongly feel that a quality education of our young is paramount to a sound, livable community and is an investment in our future citizens and leaders.
This Replacement Levy funds over 20% of the district’s general fund. For a breakdown of the services affected by this levy visit www.SupportGreatSchools.com.
The rounds of cuts to education have created a great strain in the ability of Peninsula School District to maintain the current level of quality education. Due to cuts in state funding staff, administrators and teachers have all experienced decreases in pay. These are decreases in compensation for an already overlooked, overburdened and underappreciated group of professionals. Failure to pass this levy would mean even further cuts.
The rounds of cuts to education have created a great strain in the ability of Peninsula School District to maintain the current level of quality education. Due to cuts in state funding staff, administrators and teachers have all experienced decreases in pay. These are decreases in compensation for an already overlooked, overburdened and underappreciated group of professionals. Failure to pass this levy would mean even further cuts.
I have read posts from those who are against this levy and as I read them the consensus is; they are unhappy with the way tax dollars are allocated or spent, or they already pay too much. They say that a No vote will send a message and the system, or how monies are spent, will change. I believe this is very narrow-minded and totally incorrect. There are only two ways to make your point; 1) vote them out of office, or 2) get involved by actively attending school district meetings, joining a PTA or volunteer at a district school in your area. If you think any other action will result in change you are sadly mistaken.
The second complaint is that we already paying too much. I am uncertain where their numbers are derived, but by the signs I have seen posted the claim is that we currently pay $9459/student per year. In actuality, the correct amount from the states 2011 ‘A Citizens Guide to Washington State K-12 Finance’ is $10,035. Of this 65.6%, or $6584, is funded by state resources; $1705, or 17%, is from local taxes with the balance coming from federal sources or other revenue. Now that we have the actual amount per student paid from local taxes, let’s do the math; $1705 divided by the 180 days in a school year comes out to $9.47 per day. Where else can you hire an educator, counselor, nursemaid, role-model, art, science and music instruction and coach for $9.47 a day? As I mentioned earlier, I don’t have any kids but I see the value in a quality public school system and am happy to make this investment in my communities’ future.
One final point I would like to make is that being in Real Estate, I work with many people who are considering relocating to the Gig Harbor area. One of the first questions asked every time is ‘How are the schools in the area’. People want to move here because of the quality of our education system. The market value of homes is directly proportionate to the quality of schools. If this levy fails it will be devastating to the quality of education that is currently provided. This lower level of education will result in lower test scores and a subsequent downgrade of the Peninsula School District, which will make the area less attractive to buyers. Fewer sales equal lower value and lower prices – Simple supply and demand economics.
As you fill out your ballot, keep in mind that the Peninsula School District is a top rated school district while, even with the proposed replacement levy, we pay one of the lowest tax rates in Pierce County. Please vote YES in the upcoming election in support of our Great Schools.
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