Three options for Olympia school funding

OLYMPIA - The Olympia School District will float three possibilities for a February ballot measure that could pay for building improvements throughout the district.

These proposals will be presented to the public at two community forums this week:

 • 6:30 p.m. today at the Olympia High School Commons, 1302 North Street S.E., Olympia.

 • 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Jefferson Middle School cafeteria, 2200 Conger Ave. N.W., Olympia.

The proposals are:

 • $15 million, two-year capital projects levy, which could cost about 85 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in 2011 and 94 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in 2012. This levy would expire after 2012.

 • $65 million construction bond to pay for projects expected in the next six years, which officials estimate would be 80 to 90 cents per $1,000 of assessed value until the bond is paid.

 • $165 million construction bond to pay for projects expected for the next 10 years, which officials estimate would be $1 to $1.40 per $1,000 of assessed value until the bond is paid.

The first two options would mean no increase to the Olympia district tax rate for property owners, but the third option does.

The difference between a levy and a bond is that a levy pays for projects directly using money collected from taxpayers, and a bond uses a loan that is paid off over time through taxpayer collections. Another difference is that levies require a simple majority of 50 percent approval. Bonds require a supermajority, which is 60 percent approval.

One of the most expensive items – listed on all three proposals – is permanent roof and floor truss repairs at Capital High School, where the roof collapsed into the library during a snowstorm last December. Other projects included in all three proposals include roof and gutter replacement and heating and ventilation upgrades at several schools, plus three classroom additions to Pioneer Elementary School.

Many Thurston County school districts, including North Thurston and Tumwater, plan to go to voters in February to renew their maintenance and operations levies.

The Olympia District’s four-year technology levy, which has paid for computer and technology upgrades, will end after next year. The board has been considering whether to ask voters to renew the technology levy.

District spokesman Peter Rex said that if the board opts for a construction levy, it likely would be combined with a technology levy.

Venice Buhain: 360-754-5445

vbuhain@theolympian.com

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