The Battle Ground Public Schools Board of Directors decided unanimously on Monday to dip into the district's reserve fund and put a replacement levy before voters that is less than the current schools levy rate. This educational programs and operations (EP & O) levy will be on the Feb. 9, 2021 special election ballot.
The levy is not a new tax, and if approved, will replace the levy that expires at the end of 2021. The local levy will allow the district to maintain educational programs and critical day-to-day school operations such as student technology, additional school staff beyond what the state provides, and building maintenance.
It is estimated that property owners in the district will see a decrease in their local schools tax rate of 39 cents in 2022 compared to 2021. The local levy rate is projected to be $1.95 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2022. Read more here.
Key facts about the replacement levy:
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The replacement levy will decrease taxes by about 39 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value the first year of collection (2022) to $1.95 per $1,000
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The district plans to dip into its rainy day reserve fund and drop the tax rate as low as it can the first year
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Battle Ground Public Schools has the lowest property tax rate of all K-12 districts in Clark County
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The levy will allow the district to maintain critical student programs and activities and maintain facilities
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The levy will be for four years, 2022–2025
Here are a few ways you can help the levy campaign:
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Voice your support in letters to The Columbian and The Reflector. We've put together a toolkit containing contact information, writing tips, and a handy template you can access here.
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Donate to the Battle Ground Citizens for Better Schools campaign.
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Like, share, and comment on our social media posts.
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Volunteer for phone banking or walk-and-knock events.
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Download our Class of Sign, write in your graduation year, and share it on social media using #supportbgschools.
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And most importantly, talk about the levy with your friends and neighbors.