The Clover Park School District (CPSD) Board of Directors is expected to decide at its Oct. 9 board meeting whether to place a four-year Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy on the ballot for voter consideration in February 2024. The levy approved by voters in 2020 will expire in 2024.
While the state of Washington funds basic education, school districts across the state still rely on voters to renew local levies to cover educational programs (also known as enrichment programs), operations and the actual cost of educating students and maintaining facilities.
CPSD is using levy funds to provide programs and resources to meet the needs of each student, such as Highly Capable, after-school academics, interventions for struggling learners and special education services not funded by the state. The levy also funds school safety, technology resources, extracurricular activities and athletics.
Four essential areas supported by the current levy that are not funded by the state:
Student Readiness
The levy provides student readiness programs and interventions, class-size reductions, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate testing, curriculum and textbooks, library materials and services, and special education services.
Safety and Security
Ensuring student and staff safety is our top priority. The levy funds security enhancements at schools, security officers, safety support personnel, social emotional learning curriculum, counselors and nurses, which are critical supports for a safe, secure learning environment.
Educational Technology
Learning in the 21st century world requires access to 21st century tools. The levy helps the district keep updated technology for students and teachers in the classroom. Maintaining current technology helps improve instruction, enhance learning and develop students’ 21st century skills.
Extracurricular Activities
Music, the arts, athletics and extracurricular activities are important elements of a student’s overall educational experience. The levy funds music and art programs for co-curricular programming, making athletics and extracurricular activities available to students.
The current levy is projected to collect $2.44 per $1,000 of assessed property value (APV) in 2024 (its final year of collection). CPSD is recommending to the school board a four-year replacement levy with an estimated tax rate of $2.36 per APV in each of the four years (2025-28), maintaining a level tax rate.
Please contact the community relations department at 253-583-5040 with questions about the replacement levy.