Yes for Our Kids! Levy Facts

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Cheney Maintenance and Operations Levy Facts

Fact #1: On February 14, Cheney Public Schools voters will be asked to replace the maintenance and operations levy which expires in 2012. Approximately 19% of the total school district revenues are provided by our local community. If passed, the district would qualify for an additional $1.3 million in Levy Equalization Assistance (LEA), for a total impact of 22% of the entire budget. If we did not renew the levy, the district would lose 1/5 of its funding. The good news is that Cheney Public Schools voters have, for many years, voted to continue the local support.

Fact #2: In March 2009 voters replaced a then-expiring three-year levy to be collected through 2012. Now it is time to renew the levy for 2013, 2014, and 2015. The next time the voters will see an Educational Programs and Operation (M&O) Replacement Levy will be the spring of 2015.

Fact #3: The estimated tax rate for the replacement levy is $3.19 per thousand of assessed value.
Replacement Year Tax Rate Levy Amount
Levy 2013…… $3.19……$8,500,000
2014…… $3.19……$8,800,000
2015…… $3.19……$9,100,000

Fact #4: The actual tax rate is based on the total assessed value of all taxable property within the school district. When the total assessed value for the school district goes up, the tax rate is reduced. The district receives no extra money because of increases in tax values.

Fact #5
Levy = learning and programs.
Levy funds provide teachers and support staff (counselors, librarians, specialists) beyond those provided by state ratios. These funds also
provide additional time for teachers beyond the number of days paid by the state. The time is used for professional development, curriculum improvement, preparation,extended responsibilities for staff, and time for teachers beyond actual instructional days.

Fact #6
Levy dollars make up the difference between what it costs to operate the schools and what the state pays. Examples of this include costs of supplies, equipment, utilities, insurance, fuel, and data processing, where actual costs far exceed what the state provides.

Fact #7
Levies are not bonds. Levy funds pay for day-to-day operations and do not provide funds to construct or renovate buildings.
*Teaching and Instruction--Teachers, paraeducators, instruc-tional materials, Special Education, Highly Capable program
*Administration--District-wide administration, human services, business operations
*Maintenance and Utilities--Operation and upkeep of facilities, equipment, grounds, utilities, and security
*Other Support--Transportation, nutrition, extra- and co-curricular programs

Fact #8
The extra-curricular and activities program is 100% dependent on levy dollars for its existence. The levy helps fund coaches, equipment, and event expenses. Co-curricular activities such as music, band, cheerleading, dance team, and field trips throughout the school system are
supported by levy funds.

Fact #9
The combined school-related tax rate in the Cheney Public Schools is below average dollars per $1000 of assessed valuation for most school districts in Spokane County (M&O Levy and Debt Service Levy for previously approved construction projects). We are constructing three new schools.

Fact #10
Approximately 4000 students and five hundred staff members are directly affected by the levy. Class size, counselors, library media teachers, sports, leadership, textbooks, school and teacher supplies, transportation, special education, nutrition program, gifted education, computer upkeep and repair, substitute teachers, and facilities maintenance are all supported in whole or part by local levy funds.

Fact #11
Levy tax exemptions ARE available. Senior citizens and disabled citizens may be eligible for an exemption for all or part of levy collection when specific criteria are met. Applications for exemption and additional information are available from the Spokane County Assessor’s Office, 477-5754. Remember, local school levy taxes may be deductible from federal income taxes.