Wenatchee School Board Approves February Levy Request

The Wenatchee School District will put a replacement Education Programs and Operations levy on the February 9th ballot after a unanimous vote of approval by the school board Tuesday night.

Chief Financial Officer Janette Bumgarner stated that the 4-year levy aims to raise $12 million in its first year, with an increase of $350,000 annually through the last three years.

"We do receive state match funding, but that is only received if we have a levy." explained Bumgarner, "Bottom line, if the levy does not pass on the ballot in February the district would be looking at a reduction of $15 million. We do have the 'double levy failure' rule, so we can ask the voters twice in one calendar year."

The district is projecting a 14% decrease in state funding just next year.

Board member Martin Barron said the levy is an obvious investment.

"When you look at different ways that things are paid for out of taxes, I think education has the highest 'keep the dollar at home' spending, which is the biggest impact on strengthening our local economy." Barron said, "Education is a future investment. It creates our future qualified employees. It makes us a place attractive for people to live and work."

The levy will equate to roughly $2.10 per $1,000 of assessed property value, or about $840 on a $400,000 home.

The levy must be filed with Chelan County by December 11th.