School Levy on February Ballot
/Update February 10, 2016
Ferndale School District 502 Proposition No. 2016-1 looks to have been approved with about 66% of the vote. Based on early counts, other school district levies in Whatcom County also passed. Official results here.
Lummi Islanders take education seriously. We know that the future of our community tomorrow is in our classrooms today. Our Island has supported Ferndale School District’s Maintenance and Operations Levy (M&O) since 1977 and the Beach School PTO Executive Board strongly urges you to help renew the M&O by voting Yes before Tuesday, February 9th.
Levy will not increase taxes
A Yes vote will maintain almost $14 million per year and raise approximately 25% of school funding. What will that money be used for? 27.5% is for teacher salaries and two-thirds of all classified staff in such areas as special education, nutrition/food service, maintenance, transportation, and administrative support. A portion of funding is used for the school district’s transportation (like our new bus and wonderful driver!) and student safety programs.
The Maintenance and Operations Levy also funds important extracurricular academic student programs, such as the Talented and Gifted program (TAG, formerly Aiming High), Future Farmers of America, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). In addition to academics, the M&O Levy funds meaningful and important programs such as athletics, music, and technology for all Ferndale students.
Special Election on February 9
The M&O Levy will be decided in the Special Election on February 9th. Ballots must be dropped off or postmarked by that date to count. Voters will receive an abbreviated version of the local voters’ pamphlet in the envelope with their ballot.
Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world.” Please help make sure our world keeps changing, and for the better!
