NOW IS THE TIME TO VOTE YES FOR
BREMERTON KIDS
Reinvest in the next generation, replace 3 schools, AND lower our taxes
WHAT ARE PROP. 1 AND PROP. 2?
Proposition 1 is an Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy. This is a school support levy that lasts two years. The current levy is set to expire, so Bremerton Schools is simply asking for a renewal of funding for the same services. This levy funds the 15% of the Bremerton Schools budget that is not funded by the State of Washington and Federal governments. This includes funding for:
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21% of classroom teachers
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22% of special education
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32% of counselors
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82% of custodians & maintenance staff
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89% of safety & security officers
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100% of extracurricular activities like athletics, music, and theater.
Proposition 2 is a Bond. Bonds are specifically for building schools and other school-related buildings; the funds raised cannot be spent on other services. Several of Bremerton's schools and buildings are in need of replacement, and this bond allows the district to receive money up front to pay for buildings and pay back the money over time (25 years). This bond will replace:
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Armin Jahr Elementary
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Renaissance High School
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View Ridge Elementary
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Consolidated Facilities
Armin Jahr Elementary is 55 years old, View Ridge Elementary is 72 years old, and Renaissance High School consists of portable buildings and has never had a permanent space. Both elementary schools have the highest enrollment and are over capacity without the use of portable classrooms. They are also the most likely to experience growth in the coming years. Passing the bond also comes with $20 million in state matching funds. Without passing the bond, these funds will go to another school district that does.
The bond will also make HVAC updates and ensure clean air in buildings districtwide.
HOW MUCH WILL THESE MEASURES COST?
Aside from being able to support the next generation of Bremerton students, this measure also comes at the perfect time for voters. With the current EP&O levy and capital levy expiring, passing Prop. 1 and 2 will allow us to continue funding 15% of the Bremerton Schools' budget, replace 3 schools and 1 crucial district building, update HVAC systems districtwide, AND lower our current local tax rate.
Our current local tax rate is $3.06 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Prop. 1 and 2 would bring our local tax rate down to $2.95 per $1,000 of assessed property value, saving Bremertonians an average of $48 annually (based off a $400,000 home).
It is worth noting that future tax rates are just estimates. The district cannot collect more than approved by voters, but our taxes decrease as our community grows.
WHY DO WE NEED TO VOTE ON THIS NOW?
This is the first time in 18 years that Bremerton voters have been asked to support a school bond. An entire generation of Bremerton students was born, raised, educated, and graduated in that period of time. In order to keep our local schools a cornerstone of learning, growth, and opportunity for all, we must pass these measures.
Bremerton Schools have been good stewards of our tax dollars, completing projects as promised and on time. The opportunity to replace two expiring measures with a levy and bond that will cost less than what we currently pay is unique. This is a great deal for Bremerton Schools and Bremerton voters. We support our schools and we get more for less.
Passing the bond also comes with $$$ in state matching funds to assist with the replacement of the three schools. If we do not approve the bond, this money will go to another school district who does.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
To learn more about EP&O levy and bond specifics, we recommend visiting the Bremerton Schools website with details:
Click here for a convenient one page document with levy & bond details.
The district is also holding informational presentations about the levy & bond leading up February 13.
