Another factor in this success: more than a half-century of voting “yes” with enthusiastic support for school levies and bond issues. Most recently, voters overwhelmingly – 72 percent – trusted the school district with their “yes” votes on the 2002 levy. It’s a leading reason why Shoreline and Lake Forest Park students:

• Score 9 to 23 points higher than the state average on WASL tests;
• Excel in music, arts, honors courses, sports and more;
• Set high expectations for their education – and their future.

This link is why Citizens for Shoreline Schools asks you to Renew Our Commitment – and vote YES/YES on Feb. 7’s bond issue and replacement levy. It’s the only way to “Continue Our Legacy and Build Our Future.”

These school measures come around only about once every four years, so here’s a quick levy refresher lesson to help. For more bond details, see “YES/YES: What You Want to Know About the Bond.” Read on for details about the levy.

What are levies and bonds and how do they work in Shoreline Schools? Basically, levies are for learning needs. Bonds are for building and furnishing needs.

Levies: What local voters may assess themselves for funding that is above and beyond the State Legislature’s allocation to kindergarten - 12th grade public schools.

• School Maintenance and Operations Levy dollars make up 20 percent of Shoreline
• Schools’ overall four-year operating budget;
• It is the only way to maintain current instructional programs;
• Require a 60 percent “super majority” approval from voters.
• Voter turnout must be at least 40 percent of ballots cast in the previous election. In our case, that’s the November 2005 election.

Shoreline’s proposed Feb. 7 replacement levy:

•$78.75 million spread out over four years.
•Estimated combined replacement levy and bond rate would be: $4.82 per $1,000 assessed valuation (in addition to current rate).
•Current rate: $4.07. This is 75 cents more per each $1,000 of assessed valuation -- less than $1 per day. For the owner of a $300,000 home, this is about $225 in additional property taxes per year.

In Shoreline and Lake Forest Park, a successful Feb. 7 levy would continue:

•Paying salaries for one out of every five district employees – including classroom teachers;
•Buying textbooks, worksheets and classroom supplies;
•Helping finance special education, remediation and Highly Capable programs;
•Funding after-school sports and activities;
•Supporting music programs.

A failed levy would:

•Require the District’s operating budget to be slashed.
•Programs would be cut or eliminated. Music and sports staff and facilities are paid for by levy dollars.
•Some staff would likely be laid off. One out of every five staff salaries is paid for by levy dollars.
•Another election could be held as soon as April, costing the district $40,000 to $60,000.