Rainier School District received strong support from community members in the Feb. 13 special election as taxpayers approved two separate levies in the district.
The two levies — Proposition 1: an educational programs and operations levy (EP&O), and Proposition 2: a capital levy for safety, security and maintenance repairs, will allow for RSD to make several upgrades throughout the district.
“I am so honored to serve a community that puts students first,” Rainier Superintendent Bryon Bahr said. “Our levies are critical for our students to be successful in the future. Levies support learning and all athletics and activities. Thank you to all of our voters who supported our efforts on behalf of our Rainier students. For years to come, our children will thrive in Rainier Schools.”
Proposition 1: Educational programs and operations levy (EP&O)
Unofficial results on Thursday, Feb. 15, indicate Proposition 1 passed, 723-579, or 55.53% of voters in favor to 44.47% opposed.
The four-year EP&O levy will provide funding to pay for programs such as athletics, extracurriculars, remediation and special education. It will also provide funding for transportation, teachers, classified staff, administration, school resource officers, professional development, utilities, food services, custodial staffing, maintenance and renovations.
The EP&O levy will also provide funding for students with special needs, low-income students and other vulnerable populations.
Rainier School District taxpayers will pay approximately $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Proposition 2: Capital levy for safety, security and maintenance repairs
Thursday’s unofficial results show 695 voters, or 53.46%, favored the proposition, with 605, or 46.54% opposed.
The six-year capital levy funds will allow RSD to pave its parking lots, replace concrete behind the middle and high schools, and replace its track and football field. The levy will also fund security upgrades including camera replacements, an automated electric doorway entry at the schools, security fencing and multiple maintenance repairs.
The district views the capital levy for safety, security and maintenance repairs as important for several reasons, including maintaining and improving facilities districtwide. Capital levies are often used to fund renovation, maintenance and improvements to school buildings and facilities.
Rainier School District taxpayers will pay an estimated $1 per $1,000 of assessed value per year for the capital levy.
