N. Thurston to try shorter levy in May

LACEY — Residents in the North Thurston school district will be asked to vote May 20 on a maintenance and operations levy rate of $2.18, the same rate voters rejected in February.

But the levy request will be reduced to two years from four.

The North Thurston Public Schools board of directors unanimously approved the levy request Monday.

"We have to focus on what's in the best interest of our students," board vice president Aaron Owada said.

Board members decided not to re-run the technology levy, which also failed Feb. 19.

A $2.18 rate per $1,000 of assessed valuation would cost taxpayers $654 annually for a $300,000 home, about $100 more than at the current rate of $1.83. That rate, approved by taxpayers in 2004, started at $3.01 per thousand, but decreased because of increased home construction.

Under the $2.18 levy rate, the district would collect $23.5 million in 2009, and $25.4 million the following year. The first year's collection is about $5 million more than the $18.3 million collected this year, a 28 percent increase.

Before the board's vote, Superintendent Jim Koval gave his recommendation to keep the same rate.

"I do think that $2.18 is an appropriate rate. ... We have been good stewards. We have been prudent," he said.

He said he recommended a two-year levy because it's difficult for the district to predict what will happen four years out.

"We can better manage growth in a two-year time frame," he said.

Board member Bill Williams — who was not present but participated by conference call — said he could relate to the community's concerns about higher taxes.

"But I think it is important for our students to have the resources they need," he said. "We want to make sure people still see the Lacey community as a desirable place to live."

Board member Laurie Davies said she was conflicted about approving the $2.18 rate.

"I'm fearful if we don't step back ... then we may be facing a double failure," she said.

That happened in 1994, and school board members had to slash budgets, lay off teachers and staff members, and cut programs such as music, physical education and art at the elementary level.

Board member Leah Wells said she understood Davies' fear, but felt it would be irresponsible to approve a lower rate and then cut programs.

The discussion and vote came after board members heard comments from about 15 community members.

Steve Neuenschwander said he rejected the levy before, but plans to vote "yes" on May 20.

"I did a little soul searching. I decided when I was going to school, somebody else besides my parents stepped up to the plate," he said.

He and several other speakers urged the district to be more clear about what the levy pays for.

Ken Anderson said that though he has no children or grandchildren in the district, he supports the levy.

"The district will be as good or as bad as all of us allow it to be," he said.

Bill Senn was one of several who criticized the district.

"I think the voters spoke. I feel ... that should have ended it at that time. ... I also believe we have to live within the restriction of our budget," he said.

Kathi Holland, whose husband Garry is part of the North Thurston Citizens for Schools levy committee, said the $2.18 rate is fair and lower than many other rates in the state.

"I believe our kids are our future. ... They deserve the very best," she said.

Diane Huber covers education for The Olympian. She can be reached at 360-357-0204 or dhuber@theolympian.com.