Voters approve levy issue

DAVENPORT - School district voters approved two levies in an election on Feb. 11, according to an early vote count. Election results have yet to be certified.

An initial vote count shows the Educational Programs and Operations Levy passing with 64% support and the Capital Levy for Instructional Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements passing with 65% support.

When asked to comment on the levies passing, District Superintendent Jim Kowalkowski said, "I continue to be very thankful and appreciative of our great community. We're very excited to continue with our programs. I just feel blessed."

According to a school district newsletter, the EPO Levy will provide approximately 8% of the school district's general fund budget for 2021-24. EPO funds will be used for textbooks, supplies, operating costs and extracurricular activities.

With EPO Levy approval, the district is eligible to receive additional funds from the state through the Local Effort Assistance program. Combined EPO Levy and LEA funds will provide 14% of the school district's budget.

Capital levy funds will be used for security upgrades, computers and facility repairs.

The projected tax rate for 2021-24 will be $3.65 per $1,000 assessed property value.

For the owner of a $100,000 home, the tax rate would total $365 annually.

Information from a Jan. 28 school board meeting indicated 96 percent of school districts in Washington meet part of their funding needs with levies.