Longview School District to propose two levies
Tuesday, November 25, 2008 6:06 PM PST
By Leila Summers
Printable version
E-mail this articleThe Longview School Board tentatively decided Monday to ask voters next year to renew a levy to fund day-to-day operations and also approve a separate funding measure to pay for building repairs and technology updates.
The board is expected to give final approval to the twin-levy election in December. The levies would appear separately on the March 10 ballot.
Board members said they want to keep the combined cost to taxpayers of the two levies to $3.30 per $1,000 assessed valuation, which was the levy limit voters OK’d for the district’s current levy, which will expire next year.
The new maintenance and operations levy proposed by school officials would generate an estimated $13.5 million in 2010 and $14 million in 2011. It would cost taxpayers an estimated $3.01 per $1,000 assessed valuation. The district assumes property valuations will increase, so the levy would raise more money the second year.
Currently, property owners are paying $2.53 per $1,000 assessed valuation to support the district’s maintenance and operation levy.
School officials said the capital levy would raise at estimated $1.1 million. Some $600,000 would be spend on building projects, which the balance would pay for technology improvements. The levy would not fund artificial turf for Longview Memorial Stadium.
Boo Khaki wrote on Nov 25, 2008 6:55 AM:
" I can't believe they were going to propose that nonsense of asking for the turf money to begin with. I guess they finally opened their eyes and saw the light. How could they possibly justify over a million dollar improvement related to sports when there isn't enough money for education? Bring in a forensic accountant and cut/gut the fat your overhead (too many chiefs) and cover the the cost of general and special education and then maybe I would consider the frivolous. "
tatman wrote on Nov 25, 2008 7:34 AM:
" what a thoughtless thing to do at this time. our county, state, and the whole U.S., is in a downword spriral. but you have the nerve to ask people to vote this in, LCC is looking into cuts, but here you are with hands out. you already had a 70 mil budget for this year, start managing your money better. you could also start at the top and lets take some voluntary paycuts, how about that,from the super on down in the admin building, what do you say, i would vote yes for that, have a nice day "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Nov 25, 2008 8:02 AM:
" Very wise decision to exclude the artifical turf. If the sports crazies think it is such a good idea, all they have to do is raise the money. Seems like that wouldn't be that hard to do with all the interest. But the RAL booster pulled a fast one with the Joe Moses naming rights. I'm guessing that money was never earmarked for a scholarship fund, just a ploy to win the day. Well it did, but it soured me on supporting athletics for awhile. Too many bigger issues within the district. "
crowsfeet wrote on Nov 25, 2008 9:06 AM:
" Remember folks, voting 'NO' is more crucial than ever since the requirement of a 'super-majority' to pass school levys was voted out. "
dogshead wrote on Nov 25, 2008 9:36 AM:
" Remember folks, voting 'yes' is more critical than ever since state funds for education might be drasticly schrinking. There will be no change in what we already pay....and a 20% reduction in resourses if it fails. Vote for schools. "
DUH wrote on Nov 25, 2008 9:52 AM:
" I would be more inclined to vote "yes" now but, I sure hope they don't have a plan that once it passes to somehow move the money around and use it for the turf. That would seal the deal as far as me never voting "yes" again on a school levy. "
Longview 88 wrote on Nov 25, 2008 10:06 AM:
" Smart move by not asking for money for turf, although it will be hard to pass anything with the economy faltering. Cutbacks are still occuring around here.
While on the subject of money issues, The Longview school district equips its newer school buses with automatic tire chains, and has equipped many of the older ones with traction sanders. That would be acceptable if the buses actually were used during these conditions, but being as the district closes at the first dusting of snow, and the fact our winters are rather mild, I have to wonder how much money the district could save by not equipping the buses with them. "
While on the subject of money issues, The Longview school district equips its newer school buses with automatic tire chains, and has equipped many of the older ones with traction sanders. That would be acceptable if the buses actually were used during these conditions, but being as the district closes at the first dusting of snow, and the fact our winters are rather mild, I have to wonder how much money the district could save by not equipping the buses with them. "
rastor wrote on Nov 25, 2008 10:49 AM:
" While it is good to see the plan for a sports field change, local schools are not the places to cut. I would even spend some time telling your Legislators and Governor to NOT cut educational spending at such critical times. With job loss AND education losses at the same time the downward spiral has nothing to stop it! With the downward economy, not as many people in Seattle need to drive anywhere so lighten up on the highway projects for a more robust time. I promise to stay away to make the Seattle commute times easier. "
Caddyshack wrote on Nov 25, 2008 10:49 AM:
" First of all, I agree with the levy not including $$$ for field turf. It would be bad timing with this economy. Good decision for today. However, I laugh at those who blow the turf off as something that will benefit only a few athletes. It's just the opposite. Only a few athletes can use it today because the old grass field is in such bad shape...roughly 150 RAL and MM varsity soccer and football players. On the other hand a field turf surface would be used by literally 1000s of kids...varsity, JV, and C squad teams, all the PE classes at RAL, Monticello and Olympic...plus all the community use for youth soccer, football, etc. Other cities with field turf, like Tumwater, Camas, Sumner and others host multiple playoff gamees that bring travelers to their towns. Those travelers buy gas and food when they come. Thank you to the visionaries who are behind the effort to turf our stadium and don't lose interest. Hopefully through a future bond or private $$$ you can pull it off someday and we won't see this stadium sitting as wasted space 95% of the time. "
cheney119 wrote on Nov 25, 2008 10:56 AM:
" The last article said the capitol levy might include astroturf, I guess the might include has turned into a not include. Longview 88 I agree the artificial turf proposal was a real loser and would alienate the voters for years to come. "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Nov 25, 2008 11:20 AM:
" I hope most voters will simply ignore Dogshead's plea to vote yes simply because it is for schools. I would hope that you first look at the district budget and the performance of the district. Do the two match? Are you getting what you think you pay for? I don't buy that the district will automatically be working with 20% less if this fails which I think is next to impossible under the new levy pass-fail law. Still, asking questions and looking at the budget is a wise idea. Just because govt. asks for money doesn't mean they are making the best use of it. "
old bag wrote on Nov 25, 2008 11:33 AM:
" I would like to know what building projects they have in mind. Lately they've been spending a lot of money on the administration building. Is there a guarantee that the money will not be spent on turf? Or will they "find" some extra money after the vote? I hope there is more information coming...because I don't need an increase in my taxes. "
Proud Teacher wrote on Nov 25, 2008 11:56 AM:
" Would everyone please take a breath? I teach in this district, and there is NO WAY they are going to try and sneak in the artificial turf. I can understand you all being frustrated-trust me, I am too. However, the bottom line is, this is for our kids! I look at my students and see future leaders. There are PLENTY of kids in Longview (and the surrounding school districts for that matter) that give me so much hope for the future. Also, if you want to fix our local economy, we need to attract new businesses. I have spoken with one of the new supervisors who moved here for Cameron Family Glass (which is here in Cowlitz County BECAUSE OF GOVERNOR GREGOIRE) and they liked the schools here. Do you want to bring in more family wage jobs like that? Then keep funding your local school levies! Our kids need you! "
flatbakman wrote on Nov 25, 2008 12:32 PM:
" What specifically is a technology update? Could it be that it is the educational code word for artifical turf? I don't know that we can trust them to spend the monies the right way, especially when they aren't being specific about all the funds. "
LGV GAL wrote on Nov 25, 2008 12:41 PM:
" Okay, I hardly see the start of the Vote for Schools Battle Cry. Educate yourselves and do NOT believe everything that you are told. Either attend the board meetings or read the meeting minutes online but make yourself aware of what is going on in this district. Have they been cutting back on travel, supplies, extras... Definitely does not appear so and wouldn't you think that if they are worried about tightening their belts (like the rest of us) they would be using their current funds more wisely? Again, do not just jump on any bandwagon...whether it is for or against at this time. You have a couple of months to truly find out what is going on. Visit the buildings, attend the meetings, talk to staff, and always consider the source of the info! "
rastor wrote on Nov 25, 2008 1:00 PM:
" RE: Old bag, what money on Admin building?
You mean paint? Replacement Desks? Come on now, remodeling is windows, ceiling, walkways, insulation, heating/air conditioning etc, roof, foundation. Desks and chairs for employees is not an extravagance, and in some cases legally required by OSHA, L&I etc. I haven't seen anyone getting solid oak desks, or leather sofas, just functional working tools. "
You mean paint? Replacement Desks? Come on now, remodeling is windows, ceiling, walkways, insulation, heating/air conditioning etc, roof, foundation. Desks and chairs for employees is not an extravagance, and in some cases legally required by OSHA, L&I etc. I haven't seen anyone getting solid oak desks, or leather sofas, just functional working tools. "
Buford McGee wrote on Nov 25, 2008 1:00 PM:
" The school board just gave top administrators a 10% or so raise. The tax payers do not want to see these people getting a larger increase than teachers. What part of this money will go into the class rooms for kids? Use the operating budget to fix up buildings and use this money to educate the students. Tell us what technology means? New computers for the district office! It is a shame that the school board and superintendent even considered money into sports before academics. "
LGV GAL wrote on Nov 25, 2008 1:10 PM:
" Careful Rastor... We know you are most likely a board member but why don't you let the public decide if the purchases with THEIR money is legit. The fact you want to be so defensive makes it appear that you know it was not the time to be spending money on those choices! "
Proud Mama wrote on Nov 25, 2008 1:25 PM:
" Throwing more money at a problem doesn't guarantee a solution. Spending and managing it wisely is the answer. Alot of people would like to support the levy but because of the lack of transparency related to spending and lack of financial sensitivity towards our community the district and their choices have become very unpopular. I don't want to hurt the children--I have seven of them, but I don't want to continue to support a board and a district that isn't managing their budget wisely. Now before somebody gets on here and points the finger at me to go to my legislature and get more funding for education, I am going to point my finger right back at the district. Our district has money budgeted in for legal issues. I would approve if they used that money and joined the lawsuit that other school districts have started against the state of Washington regarding lack of funding. I don't have access to a 70 million dollar budget to do that, but my district does, if in fact they need to. But I must caution you, schools have tried this before and lost because they simply could not prove they were in fact "underfunded." Show me how you spend, show me how and what you have cut and if it is as you say, I will be on the next school bus filled with administrators and teachers lobbying for more money. "
Proud Teacher wrote on Nov 25, 2008 1:37 PM:
" So, where are all of you negative ninnies when it comes to school board meetings? I go, even though it takes time away from my family. Have you met the new superintendant? Trust me, she has an open door policy for ANYONE who wants to talk to her. However, based on what I keep reading here, you might want to brush up on your civility first. Yelling will get you NOWHERE WITH ANYONE, even with someone who is as great a listener as Ms. Cusick. "
southbound wrote on Nov 25, 2008 1:41 PM:
" Is this school board living in a under ground shelter? Have you been watching the local economy let alone the national one. You are out of touch with reality if you think this will pass. "
rastor wrote on Nov 25, 2008 1:42 PM:
" Not a board member! Just a former employee who still asks questions and has concerns. If you want more details concerning technology, building maintenance items etc. Show up at the meetings, make telephone calls, make a public records request, read the board meeting minutes and posted financial reports, write a letter (not blogging on news paper site). In other words, get involved! Sitting around the water cooler passing judgment on rumors an innuendo does the community injustice. Give up "Dancing with the Stars" for something long lasting and significant. you can always TIVO or DVR the "reality" of television. "
Boo Khaki wrote on Nov 25, 2008 3:54 PM:
" Yep, I go to board meetings. Yep, I have met the new super---she did listen to me, which is more than I can say about the previous super, but she hasn't acted on my concern and my concern is valid. Maybe she just hasn't had the time to address it yet. After all she did inherit a mess of things. Still, I would like a follow up at least to let me know she hasn't forgotten. So I think I have a right to voice my opinion just like you Proud Teacher because I am not sitting at home and spouting, I am just as involved as you are. "
LGV GAL wrote on Nov 25, 2008 5:24 PM:
" I definitely have concerns with how things are currently being handled at the district so I will wait to hold judgment until my concerns are put at bay. However, hiring a facilities manager...whether warranted or not, does send out a message. We are all struggling and doing without, yet we do not expect the local school district to do without? Stop traveling, stop the overtime, stop the upgrades, improve the grades, improve the graduation rates, and then we'll see where my committment to education is compared to the individuals running the place. "
crowsfeet wrote on Nov 25, 2008 5:42 PM:
" I agree with southbound. The future is bleak. The schools blew their monies during the good years and now want more during the bad years. After the auditor gets done jacking up your property tax while your layed off, and or the landlord raises your rent to get their property tax money back while your standing in the soup line you will be proud to know the school bus drivers don't have to put on the snow chains and get their fingers dirty. "
Socrates wrote on Nov 25, 2008 6:50 PM:
" I am always amazed at the number of people who sit on a high-horse and criticize school districts, yet don't get the facts straight prior to their tirades. First of all, travel expenses have been cut back to nearly nothing. Secondly, the vast majority of district employees are on salary, which means they don't get overtime for the extra work they put in. Furthermore, no workers should be expected to work for free. If the complainers in the blogs have all the answers why don't they run for a position on the school board? Or at the very least, show up for a meeting and voice their concerns in a mature way. As for grades and graduation rates, the schools in Longview have been working veritable miracles with many of the struggling kids and families they serve. These workers are busting their tails trying to get the grades up and keep kids enrolled. Unfortunately the pull of friends, family, and substance abuse often get in the way of education. The schools are not asking for anything exorbitant. They desperately need the maintenance levy dollars. At this point, a turf field is out of the question. As for accountability for spending, anyone can go to the district and request the financial records. They are public information. Instead of griping, get the facts. "
LGV GAL wrote on Nov 25, 2008 7:40 PM:
" Socrates, you obviously don't understand the minutes of the board meetings or how to read financial reports. Careful about making statements that are not correct. Board members have been traveling, as well as the super. I realize that some travel is a necessity, but again, timing of those expenses should be considered. Could you not read the end of year report for 2007-08 that showed travel expenses above any other year? Educate yourself before making comments of others that are valid. When it comes to education, we all should be informed and concerned about how it impacts our future. "
Socrates wrote on Nov 25, 2008 9:26 PM:
" LGV GAL: Which document states that the travel expenses were higher than any other year? I work for the district and all of us have been repeatedly denied the ability to attend conferences or seminars due to cut backs in the travel line item. Is it your contention that this cutback is untrue? I can assure you it is. It has been more than 5 years since any teacher in my building has been granted funds to attend requested conferences. The only exceptions I am aware of are grant-funded seminars/training. You need to realize that even if an expense is funded by a grant it still must be filtered through the district budget. I reiterate, people need the whole story. If I were to discover that board members have been taking unnecessary trips, after denying legitimate expenses, I too would be disappointed. As it is, our district is very strapped for dollars. I am not opposed to a temporary shut-down of travel expenses from district funds. There are higher priorities. However, if grant monies come in to fund these things, they should be utilized. Where did our board members travel that came from district funds? "
Rastor wrote on Nov 25, 2008 10:31 PM:
" The most recent financial release was for the period ending in August 2008! New Sup in the job for less than 30 days. Those "facts" do not reflect any changes from new administration! "
Lucky7 wrote on Nov 26, 2008 11:10 AM:
" If you really want field turf for your kids just move to Kalama! Even with my recent tax value re-assesment and my impending approximately $4,000 dollar property tax bill next year I'll still support the schools as long as they don't get too carried away! However if real estate keeps going the way it is I will have a bone to pick with the tax assessor next year as I'm reasonably sure I couldn't sell for my current assessed value. "
southbound wrote on Nov 26, 2008 2:37 PM:
" Socrates as an employee I can see why you would defend this matter but it still does not change our economy nor does it put anymore money in our pockets. Is it that hard to fathom that this may not be the best time to put out levies when most of us are having a hard time trying to make ends meet? I have been a resident of Longview for 23 years and have never once voted No for a levy but I can guarantee you that without doubt I will this time. "
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