LAKEWOOD — The Lakewood school board voted unanimously Nov. 18 to put two replacement levies on the ballot, one for educational programs and operations, the other for capital projects and technology.
David Cram, director of finance for the district, explained that both four-year levies would begin collection in 2017, and would remain at or below the levels currently levied on taxpayers.
The nearly $26.6 million educational programs and operations levy would start with an approximate levy rate of $3.18 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2017, and increase steadily each year, to $3.22 by 2020.
The nearly $2.9 million capital projects and technology levy would see an even smaller increase, from 34 cents per $1,000 in 2017 to 35 cents in 2020.
Cram cited the educational programs and operations levy as comprising one-quarter of the district’s operating budget, which he deemed consistent with most districts.
Cram likewise explained that the capital projects and technology levy allows the district to improve its existing tools and facilities, whether by repairing or replacing them.
Superintendent Michael Mack reported that Cougar Creek Elementary was overdue for a new roof, just as English Crossing Elementary had been.
Cram estimated that, based on what was spent for English Crossing, Cougar Creek’s roof alone would run “hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
School board member Sandy Gotts pointed out that just maintaining the district’s computers to the minimum level of “limping along” costs $55 per month, per computer.
“When I met with the folks from Green River Community College, they were blown away by that,” Mack said, noting that the community college spends close to $80 per month, per computer. “They were amazed it was that low.”
Mack pointed out that the district has to upgrade its software to keep up with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, including a secure browser that’s mandated by law, but is unfunded by the state.
“And it’s not even a regular upgrade, like you do with your own computer,” Mack said.
“We’re required to completely delete out the old programs, then replace them with the new versions.”
Mack estimated such replacements run thousands of dollars each.
Cram deemed both levies “critical,” adding that, without the capital projects and technology levy, all those expenses have to be absorbed by the general fund budget.
